May 16, 1931
[Released May 16, 1931. Dated May 15, 1931]
My dear Mrs. Gest:
I am at one with the whole Nation in mourning the loss of your father, David Belasco, whose genius brought so much of pleasure to so many thousands. You have my deepest sympathy.
Yours faithfully,
HERBERT HOOVER
[Mrs. Morris Gest, 71 East 52nd Street, New York City]
Note: Mr. Belasco, owner and manager of New York's Belasco Theatre and a prominent figure in the theatrical world, died on May 14, 1931.
Herbert Hoover, Message of Sympathy on the Death of David Belasco. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/212894