882.6176 F 51/29: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Liberia (Hood)
8. Your 11, April 24, 11 a.m.
(1) Department presumes you have sufficiently made clear, as explained to you while in Washington, that loan by this Government is impossible and that the Department, while hoping that a proper basis may be found on which Firestone and the Liberian Government might agree with reference to the concessions in question, and while in principle perceiving no objection in the light of its present information to a loan for the purpose of Liberian rehabilitation, must obviously reserve an expression of its views until the specific terms of the loan contract have been submitted to it. Department’s position in this regard was made clear to Firestone at [Page 427] the time Department informed him that it had no objection to the draft concession. Subsequently Firestone informed Department that any objectionable or uneconomic features of 1921 loan plan referred to in the loan clause of the draft contract could be eliminated or changed later when the loan agreement is actually effected. You may make discreet use of the foregoing in conversations with officials of the Liberian Government if you think it advisable to do so.
(2) You may inform the Liberian Government in writing to the following effect: The Department awaits with sympathetic interest the conclusion of the Firestone contracts and earnestly believes that successful establishment of the rubber industry in Liberia will tend to promote the country’s welfare by contributing to the development of its resources and open the door for further progress by bringing stimulus and prosperity to the Liberian people. Mr. Firestone has assured the Department that as soon as the contracts are in effect there will be money available for necessary public works such as roads and ports. Furthermore, the Department would be willing to give appropriate assistance and at the request of Liberia and of the American interests concerned would be prepared again to assist in the selection of a Receiver General of Customs.
The interest of the Department in the conclusion of these contracts may be taken by the Liberian Government as proof of its continuing friendly interest in Liberia. It would seem, therefore, most unfortunate should a disagreement as to the exact terms of a loan prevent or delay the conclusion of a contract which will in all probability be of immense advantage to Liberia.
(3) Please show this telegram to Hines and De la Rue for their information.