882.51/1057: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 31—11:43 a.m.]
8. General Receiver informs Legation as follows: Levels [sic] has appointed new collector of customs and other customs officials at port of Monrovia and states his intention to make many removals and appointments in customs service at other ports of the Republic. President declines to confer or consult with General Receiver about changes made or contemplated. Evidently changes are made solely for political reasons. Procedure of President is producing state of chaos and disorganization in customs service. General Receiver feels that he cannot assume responsibility for customs service if its personnel may be arbitrarily changed at pleasure of President without reference to him. Any attempt with means at hand to disregard [Page 117] President’s appointments or to prevent unwise changes is sure to clause open rupture with President and serious results to customs service. General Receiver has conferred with President about unfortunate effect his policy of making changes surely have on customs service but no assurance can be gotten that it will be discontinued. Previous administration receivership based changes and promotions on efficiency and President confirmed them. Departing this procedure gravely impairs security of present and proposed loans.
General Receiver asks what he should do in the premises.