August 6, 1945 the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. In 1951, as the country continued to heal, the president of Hiroshima University, Tatsuo Morito sent a letter to several universities across the world, including the University of Idaho. His letter was to ask for assistance establishing Hiroshima University as a Peace-University. Requesting either, or both, a book regarding "peace problems" plus a book pertaining to one of the areas of interest for the University, and either a seedling or some seeds to plant on the University's campus.

University of Idaho President Buchanan, forwarded this letter to the College of Forestry where Professor Merrill Deter responded. Professor Deter sent $3 to HU along with seed samples of Pinus monticola, the State tree of Idaho, and Abies concolor. He also sent the book Foundations of Silviculture by James W. Toumey.

Sixty years after this correspondence, in 2011, the University of Idaho's Martin Institute received a box of materials from Hiroshima University, thanking them for their contribution to the rebuilding of their university in 1951. The box included copies of letters sent between the universities, books, the manga series Barefoot Gen, and five roof tiles collected from the riverbed in Hiroshima.