File No. 882.51/560.
The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State.
Monrovia, June 6, 1913.
Sir: * * * It is reported to me that the German merchants who filed claims against the Liberian Government, for losses alleged to have been sustained due to recent disorders, are greatly annoyed over the outcome of the work of the commission charged with the adjudication of these claims. It appears that the merchants feel that the German Consul is responsible for their failure to obtain damages from the Liberian Government in substantial amounts. In fact, some of the merchants have in conversation expressed themselves to me in this sense, and have intimated their intention to disregard the awards of the commission.
The Liberian Secretary of State has informed me that the Government has been approached, since the awards of the commission were made, by some of the German merchants who urge that they desire a private settlement of their claims. Of course, such settlements would inevitably involve far larger amounts in each case than were awarded by the commission. I understand that the Government has steadfastly refused to consider any terms of settlement not based on the actual findings of the commission. * * *
It is not at all improbable that these claims will be brought to the foreground again in the near future.
I have [etc.]