Herbert Hoover actually said...
I recommend that, as an act of grace and without reference to the question of the legal liability of the United States in the premises, an appropriation in the total amount of $4,657.20 United States currency be authorized to effect settlement of these claims, in accordance with the recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of State.
Context
Message to the Congress Recommending Payment of Claims of Certain Chinese Citizens Against the Navy Department.
01/25/1931