File No. 882.51/884
The Chargé in France ( Bliss) to the Secretary of State
6568. Department’s 6560, December 7, 1 p.m. In reply to the Embassy’s note which transmitted the Department’s communication relative to a loan to the Liberian Government and requested information regarding the attitude of the French Government thereon, I have received a note from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of which the following is a translation of the pertinent portions.
The Government of the Republic has taken note with pleasure of this declaration, namely, on the one hand, that the Government of the United States has no intention of establishing a protectorate over Liberia nor to bring about any change in its international status, and on the other hand, that French interests in Liberia will be safeguarded but, if the financial plan set forth in the American Government’s memorandum is put into effect with its consequences, there would be a question nevertheless of the establishment of a real protectorate by the United States over Liberia, whose entire administration would be placed thereby under the control of this sole power and which would thus take on the responsibility therefor.
If such is not the intention of the Federal Government it should be inclined to accept the invitation of the French and British Governments to collaborate equally in the financial assistance of the Black Republic and to continue the work begun in 1912, it being well understood that Germany is excluded.
It is said that the financial Entente established in 1912 has not given the expected results. This is undoubtedly due, on the one hand, to the fact that the funds placed at the disposition of the Black Republic were insufficient, and on the other hand, to the fact that the Germans attempted by their intrigues to acquire predominance in Liberia.
As the Federal Government knows, the French Government has no aim threatening the independence or integrity of Liberia. It desires only to participate in the economic development of a country bordering French possessions which of necessity will have relations therewith as neighbors.