882.51/1178: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Bundy) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 16—4:55 a.m.]
66. Worley informs Legation as follows: that manager of Monrovia branch, Bank British West Africa advised him that Liberian Government has requested of bank loan of three or four thousand pounds sterling with which to defray expenses of Liberian commission to be sent to Washington to obtain amendments to the financial plan; that bank manager informally asked Financial Adviser if he would approve said loan to Liberian Government for the purpose indicated; that Financial Adviser declined to approve requested loan as Liberian Government had not consulted him as to the advisability of sending commission to Washington or as to making the [Page 97] appropriation to defray its expenses; that bank manager has referred Government’s request for loan to bank’s head office London for consideration; and that it is currently reported that it is planned to send commission by steamer due Monrovia within next three weeks.
Financial Adviser states that he regards Liberian Government action in making appropriation and attempting to raise loan without consultation with him as violation of provisions of reform program which he cannot sanction. Please see Department’s mailed instruction to Legation number 23 dated April 4, 191725 in this connection.
To date Liberian Government has said nothing officially to either Financial Adviser or Legation respecting its intention to send commission to United States. On August 25 Financial Adviser officially requested of Liberian Secretary of State copies of legislation passed at recent call session of Legislature but so far no reply has been made to this request.