Letters from World Leaders and Royalty

Buckingham Palace, Simon Gimson
I am commanded by The Queen to thank you for your letter. Her Majesty was sorry to learn of the death of your father and appreciated your wish to see plants of the Mirabilis Jalapa grown throughout the world in his memory. I have forwarded the seeds you enclosed to those responsible for the gardens at Buckingham Palace, but I must tell you that plans for this year’s planting have already been completed. It was, nonetheless, thoughtful of you to write as you did.

Presidential Palace, Elengo Rangou, Republic of Cyprus
I acknowledge with thanks receipt of your letter addressed to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Glafcos Clerides, the contents of which have been noted. The President conveys to you his greetings and best wishes.

Arlinda Fortes, Sect. to the President, Republic of Cape Verde
The President of the Republic of Cape Verde, Dr. Antoini Mascarenhas Monterio, charged me to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter, as well as the pack of four-o’clock seeds you sent to him.

Mr. President has the pleasure to inform you that he will plant the four-o’clock seeds around his residence as a tribute to those who have been affected by cancer.

Thanking you for your special attention, please accept Dear Sir, our best wishes and success in this mission to the memory of your father.

The Office of the Prime Minister, Inger Elise Birkeland, Political Adviser, Oslo, Norway
On behalf of Prime Minister Gro Harlem I thank you for your letter. We highly appreciate the important work you are doing in honor to your father’s memory and to the battle of cancer around the world. We thank you for the enclosed pack of four-o’clock seeds and wish you all the best in your future work.

Office of the Prime Minister, Donald E. Davidson, Director, Jamaica
This acknowledges receipt of your letter which you addressed to the Prime Minister regarding the planting of your father’s four-o’clock seeds to signify hope for the discovery of a cure for cancer. The idea is a beautiful one and the Prime Minister has directed me to tell you that the seeds will be planted and nurtured to sustain the symbol of hope which you so desire.

Office of the Prime Minister, Mark Stokes, Manager, Ottawa, Canada
On behalf of the Right Honorable Jean Chretien, I wish to thank you for your letter. Your thoughtfulness in forwarding the four-o’clock seeds, in homage to your late father, was appreciated. I have been asked to extend to you the Prime Minister’s best wishes. Again, thank you for writing.

Partido Socialista Obrero Espanol, Felipe Gonzalez Marquez, Secretario General
He recibido su carta del pasado, y le agradezco mucho las semillas de la planta mirabilis jalapa que ha tenido la amabilidad de enviarme. Reciva un cordial saludo.

10 Downing Street, Office of the British Prime Minister, Arabella Warbuton, England
On behalf of the Prime Minister, I am writing to thank you for your letter, enclosing a packet of four-o’clock seeds in memory of your father. I shall certainly pass your letter to those who are responsible for the garden at 10 Downing Street, and wish you well in your project.

President Jose’ Maria Figueres Olsen, Republica de Costa Rica
I read your letter and enclosed article with interest and would be happy to help you in your efforts. It appears that you have paid tribute to your father and those affected by cancer in a truly unique way. Best of luck in your endeavors and thank you for your interest.

Prime Minister’s Office, Mackie Holder, Personal Aide, Barbados
I have been directed by Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Owen Arthus, to acknowledge your letter. This is to inform me that the Prime Minister would be happy to participate in the tribute in honour of your dad, Mr. Jim Donahoe, and other cancer suffers by planting the four-o’clock seeds. It is hoped that our participation will, in a small way, continue to inspire your efforts.

Palais de Monaco, J. P. Ditter, Private Secretary
His Serene Highness has received in due course your kind letter, to which was enclosed a packet of Mirabilis Jalapa seeds, for which He thanks you. I have passed the seeds on to the Palace gardener with the hope that the four-o’clocks will grow fast.

Secretariat of State, Monsignor L. Sandri, The Vatican
The Holy Father has received your letter and has asked me to send you this acknowledgment. He appreciates the sentiments which prompted you to write to him. While I regret that it is not possible to comply with your request, I wish to assure you that His Holiness is remembering your late father in his prayers. He invokes upon you God’s blessings of strength and peace.

Royal Palace, R. Huenens, Private Secretary, Belgian
I have been requested by King Albert II to acknowledge the receipt of your letter. His Majesty was moved by the kind feelings you expressed to Him. He thanks you very much for it and ordered me to offer you the enclosed picture.

Dienst Van Met Koninklijk Huis, Ph. de Heer, Principal Secretary, Paleis Noordeinde
I am referring to your kind letter addressed to Her Majesty the Queen. It was moving to read in what manner you honoured your father. The seeds you included in your letter arrived in good order and will be planted in due time. Your gesture is much appreciated.

Office of the Prime Minister, Ruth M.L. Bowe-Darville, Permanent Secretary, Bahamas
I have been directed by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister to acknowledge receipt of your letter and the enclosed four-o’clock seeds from your dad’s plants.

Please be advised that the enclosed seeds were passed to the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister’s gardener for planting. It is hoped that these seeds will grow and bloom as a symbol of your dad’s dreams.

Presidence de la Republique, Annie Lheritier, Paris, France
Monsiueur le President de la Republique Francaise m’a confie’ le soin de respondre a votre lettre. Sensible a l’attention qui a dicte’ votre envoi, le Chef de l”etat m’s charge; de vour en remercier. Veuillez agreer, Cher Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs.