882.20/477½
Memorandum by the Acting Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs (Alling) and the Chief of the Division of Controls (Green)
Liberia is in no danger of attack from Germany because of the difficulties of transport and supply. Our information indicates that this view is shared by the British Government.
If a serious attack were made upon her, Liberia, unaided, could not, of course, resist such an attack. The British and French Navies, however, would be obliged in defense of their own vital interests to come to Liberia’s assistance. Satisfactory assurances in this regard have been given to the Liberian Government by the British Foreign Office.
The smallest coast defense guns which would be of any use in resisting an attack by a submarine or raider would be 155 mm guns. There is no authority in law by which this Government could furnish such guns to Liberia. Furthermore, there is no military personnel in Liberia which would be able to handle guns of this caliber. Neither the United States nor any other great power has found it possible to train black troops in the use of such guns.
This memorandum has been seen and approved by the Acting Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Staff of the Army.
- Paul H. Alling
- Joseph C. Green