882.602/34: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received February 29—4:20 p.m.]
26. Referring to Department’s diplomatic instructions number 55 dated October 23, ’19.45 Legation communicated to the Liberian Government Department’s interpretation of the act of Liberian Legislature approved August 7, 1917 relative to granting concessions. Legation emphasized Department’s view that no action should be taken by the Legislature on any application for concessions and of amendment of concessions until favorable report of the Financial Adviser thereon had been received. Replying January 19, Secretary of State declines to accept Department’s interpretation of the act of August 7, 1917 and proposes that Liberian Government establish concessions board composed of three members, Financial Adviser always to be one, a member of the Executive Government of Liberia to be second, and these two select third member from general public. The purpose of board would be to examine and report with recommendations to Legislature on all applications for concessions. Legation has cause to believe that this proposal is of British origin and was advanced by Liberian Minister at London while in Monrovia during inauguration. Convinced that such a board would be worse than useless Legation and Financial Adviser strongly disapprove arrangements. For further details of this matter please see Legation’s report by mail now enroute.46