File No. 882.51/439.
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Ambassador to Germany.
Washington, September 11, 1912.
Sir: With reference to previous correspondence relative to the negotiations entered into by the Governments of France, Germany, Great Britain and the United States for the rehabilitation of the finances of Liberia, I transmit herewith for the information of your [Page 690] Embassy copy of a note which has been received from the Imperial German Chargé d’Affaires at Washington, asking that this Government exert its good offices in approving the plans of the Imperial German Government to the end that the German Vice Consul at Monrovia continue for a time in that capacity should the customs receivership go into operation before the appointment of a new German consular officer at Monrovia. The Department’s view, expressed from time to time to the effect that the refusal of the Liberian Government to recognize Mr. Lange in a dual capacity meets with the moral support of the Government of the United States, is set forth in the Department’s reply, a copy of which is appended herewith.
A note has also been received from the Chargé d’Affaires of the French Republic at Washington, asking in the way of compensation for his Government’s assent to the appointment of a German receiver of customs of the Republic of Liberia at Monrovia, that the Government of the United States grant to the French Republic such facilities for a rectification of the Franco-Liberian boundary as may be deemed requisite by the Government of France. A copy of this note is also enclosed. The Department’s attitude on this proposition is made known to you through the enclosed copy of the Department’s reply to Mr. de Peretti’s note.
It is expected that the receivership of customs of Liberia will go into active operation at an early date and the Department would be glad if, at the opportune time, you would express this Government’s confidence in the continued support and cooperation on the part of the Imperial German Government in arriving at a satisfactory conclusion of the loan arrangements.
I am [etc.]