OSAKA -- The American Red Cross was unaware that some of the 800 million yen it sent to help survivors of the Great Hanshin Earthquake was set aside for other uses until the Japan Red Cross was specifically asked to translate its reports into English.
In accordance with its policy, the American Red Cross did not ask for, and the Japan Red Cross did not provide, specific information about the planned usage of quake donations until about one month ago, after it received media queries into where the money went.
In April 1995, three months after the quake, the Japan Red Cross sent out an English-language report in which it outlined general relief measures taken within the first few weeks of the disaster. At the end of March 1996, a more detailed Japanese-language report was issued, in which it was announced that "a portion of the relief funds from overseas will be set aside for three purposes." These purposes included the construction of a Hyogo prefectural medical center and the purchase of emergency vehicles and supplies.