Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 4, 1917

File No. 882. 51/747

The French Ambassador to the Secretary of State

[Translation]

French Embassy,
Washington, June 25, 1917.

Mr. Secretary of State: By reason of the German Receiver’s early departure from Liberia and with a view to allaying the concern which the American Receiver General seems to take in that circumstance, the Government of the Republic, the British Government concurring, suggests that if, contrary to present expectations, difficulties should arise among the three Receivers remaining in Liberia, they be adjusted through the diplomatic channel. This mode of procedure would make it unnecessary to designate a new receiver of neutral or allied nationality and at the same time afford every guaranty to the Governments concerned.

I should be thankful to your excellency if you would let me know whether the Federal Government is disposed to take favorable action on my Government’s suggestion, as Mr. de Laboulaye, Secretary of the Embassy was led to hope by the Hon. William Phillips.

Be pleased to accept [etc.]

Jusserand