Mr. Coolidge to Mr. Foster.

No. 26.]

Sir: In compliance with your instructions, under date of June 4, I have addressed to the French Government a note explaining the position of the United States towards Liberia and stating that our Government can not recognize any protectorate assumed by the French Republic over any lands lying west of the San Pedro River unless the Republic of Liberia is a consenting party to such transactions, because the boundary of the Republic has always been considered the San Pedro.

I inclose herewith a copy of this note,* in which I have used, as far as practicable, your own language.

I have, etc.,

T. Jefferson Coolidge.
  1. This inclosure, dated July 13, is not printed, as it is very similar to the instructions of Mr. Blaine, No. 2, dated June 4, 1892.