When the Russian delegate this summer indicated the Soviet Union’s interest in sending medical equipment, Dr Shigeto went right away to see the delegate and settle the matter tactfully. He is careful to steer clear of the superficial swirl of political maneuvering, but never misses any opportunity to improve the capability of the A-bomb Hospital or to enhance concretely the welfare of the patients. In that sense, he sometimes refers to himself as a ‘dirty handkerchief.’ That is, he serves to filter political purposes out of relief efforts so that the effect on patients is purely and concretely humane.

When the Russian delegate this summer indicated the Soviet Union’s interest in sending medical equipment, Dr Shigeto went right away to see the delegate and settle the matter tactfully. He is careful to steer clear of the superficial swirl of political maneuvering, but never misses any opportunity to improve the capability of the A-bomb Hospital or to enhance concretely the welfare of the patients. In that sense, he sometimes refers to himself as a ‘dirty handkerchief.’ That is, he serves to filter political purposes out of relief efforts so that the effect on patients is purely and concretely humane.

– Kenzaburō Ōe –

Hiroshima Notes

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