File No. 882.51/377.

The Secretary of State to the Financial Representative of Liberia.

Sir: Referring to previous correspondence relative to the negotiations of Mr. Skinner with the European creditors of Liberia, you are advised that a telegram dated the 17th instant1 has been received from Mr. Skinner asking that you be given the following information:

Agreement ninety-five, 1871 bonds, certificates, thirty-nine hundred and twelve pounds, ten shillings, cash or bonds, holders’ option, council itself receiving one per cent additional to effect transaction and paying expenses thereof. Erlanger2 requires application contract, three months’ notice, this proviso stated on bonds. Will withdraw collector on deposit anticipated payment, recommending that bondholders accept new bonds if issued publicly.

A telegram dated to-day has been received from Mr. Skinner in which he states that a slight extension of 60 days will probably be necessary to conclude negotiations in England and Holland. The Department proposes to reply to Mr. Skinner’s later telegram, unless you offer some reason to the contrary, by saying that while it expected that a slight extension will be necessary, the Department hopes that in view of the fact that Mr. Clark expects to take active Chargé of his office on July 1, Mr. Skinner may conclude his negotiations at as early a date as possible.

I am [etc.]

P. C. Knox.
  1. File No. 882.51/376.
  2. In behalf of loan of 1906–7.