File No. 882.51/524.
The Secretary of State to the American Chargé d’Affaires.
Washington, February 25, 1913.
American Ambassador at Berlin reports that German Foreign Office appears much annoyed over alleged dilatory action, of Liberian Government relative to appointment of third commissioner. Ambassador is informed that on account of difficulty experienced in securing foreigners to serve, owing to threats made in case of O’Connell, German Government proposes calling upon French Consul to act as third commissioner providing consent of his Government can be obtained.
Stubborn insistence of German merchants and fear of parliamentary criticism have so far prevented American Ambassador from [Page 678] being able to induce Foreign Office to modify terms of settlement but should question of commissioner be promptly settled it is thought a counter offer of Liberian Government extending payment over two years payable monthly out of customs receipts might possibly be entertained.
You will take this matter up with the Liberian Foreign Office discreetly pointing out that Liberia’s interest would call for a prompt and amicable agreement as to third commissioner. It may be stated that while Department would not express objection to appointment of Englishman or Frenchman it would seem desirable for all nations concerned that third commissioner should represent nation having no territorial possessions adjacent to Liberia,