882.51/1065: Telegram

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

15. Legislature has confirmed President’s nominations of Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Education but for local political reasons nomination of Secretary of War not confirmed. Legation and [Financial] Adviser believe authorized statement that Department cannot sanction a budget which includes salary for more than one Cabinet minister for War, Interior, and Education Departments would probably cause position of Secretary of War to remain vacant and duties of this office would be assigned to Secretary of the Interior. As to the Secretary of Education, an effort would likely be made to keep him in office but if no salary is provided he would probably resign. It is through [thought] authorized statement in question would not seriously disturb either American-Liberian relations or loan negotiations. If this statement could be made in connection with an expression as to Treasury’s desire to guarantee Liberian budget within limits for absolutely necessary expenses only it would lessen likelihood of unfavorable impressions. Combination War and Interior Departments so logical and desirable that general public apparently has no interest in effort to keep them separate and no public objection would likely be raised to adding Education to combination if it is emphasized that this arrangement is temporary and reestablishment of Education as separate Department would be favored as soon as Republic’s revenues would permit.

Bundy