882.72/–: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia ( Johnson ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 11:45 p.m.]
24. In spite of urgent advice of Legation and Financial Adviser to contrary Legislature passed act granting concession to French Cable Company at Monrovia to construct and operate for 30 years line [Page 120] of telegraph to serve all 58 towns along coast from Cape Mount to Cape Palmas and thence to French Ivory Coast. It is understood that President gave strong encouragement to Legislature to pass this concession. To carry out certain conditions of this concession employees and buildings where available of the Liberian Post Office Department, may be utilized by company.
President has indicated informally his intention to approve act granting this concession. Legation and Financial Adviser, however, believe most emphatically that act should be vetoed and have so told him.