File No. 763.72/5071
The Minister in Liberia ( Curtis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5 p.m.]
British war vessel King Alfred , Admiral Sheppard having command, has arrived at Monrovia. Delay in consummating program with regard to inviting German subjects to leave Liberia affording opportunity for further German intrigue, which is apparently being utilized to divide the Cabinet in its sympathies. I am advised by the Admiral that the President of Liberia made known to him his disinclination to accept any advice to send German subjects to an enemy country, and I have been asked to concur in his proposal to be made to the British Government to the effect that German subjects be sent to Spain, and I have answered that while personally I do not see any grounds for objection I must await further instructions [Page 468] before acting. At the same time I urged that Liberia should not be put in the position where it must choose either to disregard the advice of its friends or appear to act under pressure. The majority of the Cabinet, including the Liberian Minister for Foreign Affairs, will steadfastly vote to follow the advice of the Government of the United States regardless of personal views of the President as I am advised by Liberian Minister for Foreign Affairs.