File No. 882.00/531
The Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State
Washington, February 17, 1916.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of February 14, 1916, in reference to the proposed withdrawal of the U. S. S. Chester from Liberian waters.
It is noted that your Department has received a telegram from the American Minister at Monrovia recommending, with the concurrence of the commander of the U. S. S. Chester, that that vessel be continued at Monrovia at least two weeks after the arrival of the arms and ammunition which the Government of Liberia has recently purchased in this country.
As indicated in my letter of the 9th instant, the withdrawal of the Chester has become necessary because of the difficulty of supplying her with coal and provisions. The commanding officer of the Chester has, therefore, been directed to proceed to New York as soon as possible, and not more than two weeks after the delivery of the arms and ammunition. I note with satisfaction the statement that you have been good enough to make in reference to the good that has been accomplished by the presence of the U. S. S. Chester in West African waters, and I am very glad that the Chester has been able to be of service to your Department.
Very sincerely, [etc.]