File No. 763.72111W74
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
American Embassy,
London,
July 28, 1914.
[Received August 6.]
No. 394]
Sir: The Liberian Minister, Mr. J. P. Crommelin, called on me yesterday
and wished to know if I would transmit to my Government a statement of
the danger that Liberia might possibly be placed in, in case of war in
Europe, by reason of the French and German cable stations which are
situated on Liberian territory. The Minister fears, of course, that one
or both these Governments might send men-of-war there to protect these
cable stations, and the Liberian Government has a certain fear lest the
presence of these warships might be used to Liberia’s disadvantage. I
therefore transmit herewith a copy of a letter that the Liberian
Minister has written me clearly stating the case.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure]
The Liberian Minister in Great Britain
(Crommelin) to the
American Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
Liberian Legation,
London
,
July 27, 1914.
Your Excellency: Referring to the
interview your excellency was good enough to grant me this morning,
I have the honor to submit to your excellency the points on which
the Liberian Government are anxious to have advice and help from the
Government of the United States.
There is in Monrovia a cable station of the German-South American
Cable Company as well as a cable station of the French Société des
Câbles Sud Americains, and in the event of a war breaking out in
which these powers should take part, the Liberian Government are
anxious not to be in any way involved in it.
If the United States Government would once more give their good
offices by requesting of the powers not to interfere in Liberia, the
Liberian Government would be extremely grateful.
I am instructed by the Secretary of State of Liberia, Mr.
King, who is now in London, to beg of your
excellency to draw the attention of the United States Government to
these facts, even in case peace was maintained, as it is considered
most important that the Liberian Government should know now to act
at any other time.
I avail [etc.]
J. P. CROMMELIN
