From the July 25, 1940 issue of LIFE Magazine, p. 82:
No one knows exactly how deaf the Ambassador is. Several years ago, when Manuel Quezon was newly elected President of the Philippines, the Imperial Household planned an informal reception in Quezon’s honor. Since the Japanese want an Orient for the Orientals, President Quezon was put at the Emperor’s right, Ambassador Grew at his left. Before the guests sat down, one of the Ambassador’s aides pointed out the blunder in precedent. The Emperor’s stewards explained that it was done so that the Emperor’s words would enter Mr. Grew’s good ear. Told of this, Grew said: “Nonsense! Any time the Son of Heaven speaks to me, I can hear what he says.”
