882.00/632: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:22 p.m.]
5. The views of the Department relative to War, Interior and Education Departments remaining combined under one head as outlined in Department’s cable January 3 [7], 3 p.m. were communicated to Liberian Government.
In his reply Secretary of State says; 1st, President of Liberia confirms officially his intention to separate three Departments mentioned and have each administered by Cabinet officer if [as] required [Page 114] by Liberian Constitution; 2d, that this question was opened by Mr. Phillips with Mr. King and the latter fully and frankly stated his intention to establish again each of three Departments as above indicated and that Mr. King left the Department of State with distinct impression that his expressed intentions were approved by the Assistant Secretary of State; 3d, that proceeding on this impression President nominated and Senate confirmed a Cabinet minister to administer each of three Departments under discussion; 4th, that Department’s suggestion to keep War, Interior and Education Departments combined places President King in most embarrassing position; 5th, Liberian Government indorses view that any deviation from reform program should be made only with concurrence Financial Adviser and after submission to the Department. This indorsement however is limited to the application of this procedure only to such suggestions in reform program as were accepted and adopted by Liberian Government.
Worley’s observations on foregoing as follows: Fact that three Departments were combined by act of Legislature and Executive order by the President is sufficient evidence that Liberian Government accepted and adopted this particular item of reform program. Argument of Secretary of State as to constitutional provision requiring three separate Departments is subterfuge. Constitution mentions only Departments and no provision exists therein making it unconstitutional to combine three Departments. Also please see section 9 article 5 of Constitution, obviously motive behind attempt to separate Departments is desire of President to create offices mainly for political purposes. Financial Adviser and Legation advised President of Department’s suggestion to keep three Departments combined before his nominations were confirmed by Senate but advice ignored. If President of Liberia succeeds in separating Departments and elects what suggestions in reform program Government may adopt then presence of American administrative assistants is useless and rehabilitation Republic impossible. This matter may be considered test case and if Department withdraws from position already taken or compromises, American prestige here gravely implicated and position American agents shortly would be untenable.
Under the circumstances Worley earnestly recommends that Department authorize statement to Liberia that sanction cannot be given to budget which includes salary for more than one Cabinet minister to administer War, Interior and Education Departments.
Legation concurs in above and is entirely in accord with Worley’s views and recommendations.