882.73/26: Telegram

The Chargé in Liberia (Bundy) to the Acting Secretary of State

Department’s February 19th 3 p.m. Former German cable system with Monrovia as center consisted of (1) line from Monrovia to Canary Islands, thence to Emden, Germany; (2) line from Monrovia to Pernambuco, Brazil; (3) line from Monrovia to Lome, Togoland.

. . . . . . .

1. Cable between Canary Islands and Emden, Germany has been taken up and relaid from Brest, France to Casa Blanca, Morocco and thence to Dakar. It is now in service between these points under French control.

Cable between Monrovia and Canary Islands cut few miles from Monrovia and also about opposite Freetown. The end of the section nearest Monrovia has been joined at sea off Monrovia to the cable between Lome and Monrovia which had been previously cut some miles from Monrovia. The other end of this section was landed at Freetown. Thus British have made direct line from Freetown to Lome cutting out Monrovia.

[Page 527]

French Chargé d’Affaires claims not to know what has happened to section of the cable between Canary Islands and the point off Freetown where line from Monrovia to Canary Islands was cut. Legation infers that French intend to take possession of same, if they have not already done so.

Cable between Pernambuco and Monrovia cut about ten miles off Monrovia and has not been repaired.

German cable station here is still completely isolated and if foregoing is true communication through it over at least two of the three former German lines can never be restored.

… In connection with this cablegram please see latter portion of last paragraph, Legation’s January 8, 7 p.m.74

Bundy
  1. Ante, p. 512.