Paris Peace Conf. 882.51/9: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

52. Confidential for Secretary Lansing. We are now corresponding with Great Britain and France relative to the withdrawal of these Governments from the present receivership in Liberia and from participation [Page 545] in the proposed financial aid to be granted to Liberia by the United States for rehabilitating and developing the natural resources of that republic. Our loan credit of five million dollars was granted to Liberia in much the same way that others have been granted to the other Allied nations.

Recent communications from Great Britain indicate that an attempt will be made to have the whole subject of this Government’s intended assistance to Liberia brought up for settlement at the Peace Conference.

We cannot but feel that the British and French are seeking to bring this before the Peace Conference in an effort to promote their political ambitions in Liberia whereas the refunding of the 1912 loan by the American Government has no bearing whatsoever on the questions coming before the Peace Conference. It is evident from all conversations with British and French representatives that their Governments are fearful that the United States is planning a protectorate in Liberia to the exclusion of British and French commercial interests. They have been informed on various occasions that the refunding of the loan has no political bearing, but is merely in the interest of good government in Liberia, and that free opportunity for every one will be maintained.

We wonder whether you will be willing to say now that this is not a matter for presentation at the Peace Conference, but that you would be willing to discuss it in Paris with British and French representatives.

Memoranda outlining in detail other items which might be called to the attention of the American delegation can be transmitted to you by pouch.

Polk