File No. 741.8215/29.

The British Ambassador to the Secretary of State.

Dear Mr. Secretary: On the 6th of November last Sir Edward Grey informed the American ambassador in London that the Liberian minister in London had advised his Government to come to settlement with His Majesty’s Government in regard to the question of the Kanré-Lahun boundary before the American loan, now in contemplation, was made and the new régime under American auspices.

On December 2 Sir Edward Grey communicated to Mr. Whitelaw Reid a note2 and memorandum1 setting forth the history of this question and expressing the hope that the United States Government might see their way to send telegraphic instructions to the United States minister at Monrovia “to support the proposals of His Majesty’s Government for an amicable settlement of the question and generally to lend his good offices to facilitate the negotiations.” I understand that His Majesty’s consul general at Monrovia was at the same time instructed to communicate the information contained in this memorandum to Mr. Crum.

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It now appears that the President of the Liberian Republic has agreed to the proposals of His Majesty’s Government for the settlement of this question, and that he has to-day (January 16) laid them before the Senate for ratification. It also appears probable that the Senate will be guided in their decision by the advice of the United States minister.

In view of the fact that the Senate will adjourn on January 24 the earliest possible action in the matter is highly desirable, and as His Majesty’s Government are informed that the United States minister at Monrovia has as yet received no instructions from his Government, Sir E. Grey wishes me to inform you of the present position and to express the earnest hope that you may see your way to use your influence in favor of the proposed settlement of this question. As the time is now very short, I would suggest for your consideration whether it might not be desirable that instructions should be sent by cable to the representative of your Government at Monrovia.

I am, etc.,

James Bryce.
  1. Should be 1911.
  2. Not printed; no correspondence ensued between the two Governments about the memorandum.
  3. Should be 1911.