882.7962/46: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Liberia (Wharton)
28. Your 44, February 25, 11 a.m. For McBride. The War Department is sending to Liberia by air within a few days Colonel Leon A. Fox of the Medical Corps and Captain William N. Beard of the Engineers to make appropriate surveys. In the case of Colonel Fox’s mission, it would be helpful if you could arrange in advance for the friendly cooperation of the Liberian Government, as the War Department deems it essential that adequate sanitary and health precautions should be taken before American forces are sent to Liberia.
Details in regard to the credit plan are promised by the War Department in a day or two, and answers to your questions will be transmitted as soon as possible. Meanwhile preparations are being made for an initial force of Negro troops commanded by white officers, in addition to a detachment of white mechanics and technicians. It is understood that fighter planes will be included in defense equipment.