File No. 882.00/456.
The Secretary of State to the American Ambassador at Berlin.
Washington, January 10, 1913.
The commander of a German war vessel in Liberia charges a Liberian officer and soldiers with an assault upon a German officer and marines at River Cess. The American Chargé d’Affaires at Monrovia reports that the German Government demands dismissal of the Liberian officer, an apology and a guaranty that the officer will not again be employed in an official capacity. The Liberian Government is willing to dismiss the officer and offer, an apology but will not give the demanded guaranty because it would violate the Liberian Constitution. An investigation of the disturbances at River Cess is being made by an American ex-army officer who is in command of the Liberian forces at that place and his report may exonerate the Liberian officer or set up counter charges as grave as those made by the German officer. It is reported from Monrovia that the German Government will take drastic action if the Liberian officer is not dismissed. The American Chargé has been instructed that if [Page 665] the incident could be closed by the dismissal of the officer it would be desirable that the Liberian Government take that action. It has also been suggested that the dismissal be made provisional pending ultimate exchange of views between the German and American Governments after full reports have been received.
Use good offices with the German Government and ask that the demand on Liberia be, modified so that the Liberian Constitution be not violated and point out that Liberia’s willingness to dismiss the officer and apologize even before report of investigation is received would seem all that could be equitably expected. If the German Government refuses to waive its demand upon Liberia suggest that the Liberian Government give a guaranty that the dismissed officer be not again employed in the Liberian Frontier Force.
Make it clear to the German Government that in view of the marked consideration of German wishes from the very beginning of the Liberian negotiations, this Government feels justified in expecting on the part of Germany a patient and liberal attitude toward Liberia and a cordial cooperation with this Government to save the Liberian Government from embarrassments.