I write in regard to an article published on your website which carries a misleading headline which could suggest that donations made in support of relief and recovery efforts in the region affected by the great east Japan earthquake and tsunami have been used to fund Japan's scientific whaling research programme (Japan whaling fleet accused of using tsunami disaster funds, 7 December).
I strongly wish to emphasise that the donations made in support of relief and recovery efforts in the region affected by the great east Japan earthquake and tsunami have never been used nor will ever be used to fund Japan's scientific whaling research programme.
The warm support that the Japanese people have received from the British people in response to the disaster is deeply appreciated, and we would like to make it crystal clear that all donations received are only ever used for the relief and reconstruction of the lives of those affected by the great disaster, and for no other purpose.
Naoki Ito
Minister (economic), Embassy of Japan
