882.73/11: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Bundy) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received January 9, 11.45 p.m.]
Referring to Legation’s November 29, 5 p.m. and Department’s December 28, 7 p.m. In an informal conversation yesterday, French Chargé d’Affaires here informed me that French Government would not accept negative reply of Liberian Government to request of French cable company to connect immediately with and operate from Monrovia former German cable line to Pernambuco and that if Liberia continues to maintain present attitude, French Government would take such steps as may be necessary to accomplish aforesaid objective irrespective of Liberian Government’s refusal to grant permission sought.
Liberian Minister for Foreign Affairs informs me verbally that French Chargé d’Affaires made substantially same representations [Page 513] to him 6th instant. In reply Liberian Minister for Foreign Affairs says he reaffirmed Liberia’s position as set forth in Legation’s November 29 and suggested that the question be [deferred?]. French Chargé d’Affaires further told me that French Government was considering and is likely any day to send war vessel to Liberian waters, and under its protection cable would be joined and operated. Also he said that France and Great Britain have agreed to divide this German cable system between themselves and that Great Britain already has taken certain sections allotted to her. France would now proceed to take her parts, of which line from Monrovia to Pernambuco is most important portion. Please acknowledge.