882.20/452: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Liberia (Walton)
20. Your 32, May 17, 9 p.m. We are giving careful study to the proposed plan of military assistance for Liberia and hope that no [Page 583] final agreement will be concluded by the Government of Liberia with the Governments of France and Great Britain until our comments have been forwarded to you by telegraph. While we feel that any move to secure Liberia’s defenses through the cooperation of neighboring Governments is to the advantage of Liberia, it would appear to be in Liberia’s interest to refrain from adopting a definitive plan until the best opinion can be obtained relative to the merits of the French proposal or of any complementary proposal which may be suggested by the British Government.
With reference to President Barclay’s statement that his Government is “puzzled” at the attitude of the United States toward Liberia’s position in international affairs, please see letters sent to you by Murray by steamer mail under date of April 24 and May 9.23
- Letter of May 9 not printed.↩