763.72119/3047

The Department of State to the British Embassy

Memorandum

The Department has given careful consideration to the suggestion of the British Government embodied in the Embassy’s memorandum [Page 548] of December 15, 1918, that the financial aid and rehabilitation of Liberia might be considered with other analogous questions at the approaching Peace Conference, and has submitted these views by cable to the Secretary of State in Paris. A reply has now been received to the effect that in the opinion of the American Peace Mission this subject has no bearing on other questions which will be considered by the Peace Conference and should be settled directly among the Governments.

The Liberian question is not one affecting or involving West Africa. Liberia is an independent nation, a member of the Allied group of Nations, and is not to be considered in connection with captured German colonies in West Africa or any possible readjustment of territory.

The United States, as the next friend of Liberia and sponsor for the loan of 1912,6 has always been looked to for the establishment of the necessary reforms in Liberia and the performance of the obligations of that Republic under the Loan Agreement and in international affairs. This has been difficult in operation under the financial entente. In consequence the Government of Liberia has not been able to accomplish many things which it had hoped to accomplish, the desirability of which has been mutually agreed upon by the United States, British and French Receivers.

The time has now arrived when the United States desires to give favorable consideration to the repeated appeals of Liberia and to those of the 12,000,000 colored people of this country, who have evidenced a renewed interest in Liberia’s affairs and are petitioning that the United States Government, as the founder of Liberia and for other historic reasons and ties, should give more definite assistance than has been extended in the past.

At the time of the exchange of notes and negotiations for the refunding of the loan of 1912, this Government invited the British Government to take part in the receivership. Events have now proved that multiple control of Liberian financial affairs has not given the expected results and benefits to the people of Liberia and this Government does not now anticipate that His Majesty’s Government will interpose any objection to the new proposal, as outlined in the memorandum of the Department of State, handed to the British Chargé d’Affaires on November 19th, which is undertaken solely in the interest of Liberia itself. It should be emphasized that the new proposal of this Government is in no way to be regarded as indicating that the United States has the slightest desire or intention of establishing a protectorate over Liberia but rather purposes to maintain its historic position as Liberia’s next friend.

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Realizing that the development of the State will depend upon the opportunities of trade and commerce, this Government is particularly anxious that equal opportunity for trade and investment be afforded to foreign capital subject to proper safeguards and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Liberia.