882.20/503: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia (Walton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7 p.m.]
85. Department’s 50, October 12, noon. I have been informed by President Barclay that the Liberian Government is guarding against possible internal disturbances and sabotage in Monrovia and elsewhere; that troops are now available and adequately trained to operate machine guns; that the military after a review of the situation recommends the Liberian Government limit the ordered Colt’s 7 millimeters machine guns to 10 in number and substitute for the remainder Browning light automatic rifles of 7 millimeters caliber; that the ammunition for machine guns had already been ordered when the [order?] for arms was placed with the Liberian Consul General in New York.
President Barclay expresses appreciation for the offer made in the last paragraph of the Department’s telegram of which he says the Liberian Government will avail itself when necessity arises.