882.51/1151: Telegram

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

50. Department’s draft of the financial plan has been transmitted by President to Legislature which now has quotation [quorum]. President’s message accompanying plan was merely letter of transmittal in which neither recommendations nor criticisms are made. Message however contained following:

“The Executive, on its part, formulated a counter plan embodying its suggested amendments to that proposed by the United States Government. [Page 83] This amended plan is at the disposal of Your Honorable Body any time you may require it.”

During the existence of quotation [sic] it will be seen that President has withheld [modified] plan containing alterations made by himself and Cabinet as mentioned in Legations number 48, July 23, 2 p.m. but indicates that Legislature may have it for the asking.

Legation reliably informed that President’s supporters in the Senate tried to pass resolution requesting President to transmit his notice of plan but resolution was defeated by margin of one vote. Resolution of this kind may yet succeed in the House. Legation assured that Vice President Ross and ex-President Howard will support Department’s plan with certain not vital changes. Precisely what these changes are, Legation does not yet know. As soon as they are known they will be cabled to the Department and effort will be made to have Legislature await reply from Department before it takes final action.

Bundy