File No. 763.72/10335
The Chargé in Liberia ( Bundy ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 12, 4.25 a.m.]
Legation promptly made to Liberian Government representations indicated in Department’s May 31, 3 p.m. After expressing grateful [Page 748] thanks to the Government of the United States for its friendly advice which is accepted, the reply of Liberian Government continues in substance that Liberia is determined to remain loyal to the common cause and would not knowingly take any action which would appear in fact to further the interests of the common enemy; refusal to permit operation of French wireless station was based on genuine fears of Liberian Government and people; that further operation in Monrovia without that protection which Liberia has been advised would be necessary effectively to cope with submarine attacks would invite another bombardment and thereby endanger foreign as well as Liberian life and property; in modifying its decision to protect operation of wireless station Liberian Government urges that it be supplied with sufficient arms and ammunition to control native tribes which have given evidence of causing serious trouble if Monrovia is again bombarded.
Legation understands that arms and ammunition requested in its cable May 1, 4 p.m.,1 are deemed sufficient by Liberian Government for the purpose of control above mentioned.
- Not printed.↩