882.6176 F 51/39: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Liberia (Hood)
15. The Department has learned with surprise that its 14 June 20, noon, has been construed as meaning that Ross had been instructed to accept all modifications which might be requested by the Liberian Government. This is a grave misunderstanding as Firestone’s instruction to Ross of June 18 and the Dept’s 14, June 20 noon covered only the five specific points reported in your 21 June 14, 2 a.m., and did not constitute a blanket acceptance of any further modifications which the Liberian Government might propose.
The action of the Liberian Government in proposing further modifications at a moment when it was believed that a complete accord had been reached has had the effect of causing Mr. Firestone to question the utility of continuing negotiations with the Liberian Government and has brought about a state of affairs in which complete and final withdrawal by Firestone is a serious and imminent possibility. Mr. Firestone has stated to the Department that he is not disposed to consider further modifications and has declared that further delays of this nature will compel him to give serious consideration to the advisability of transferring his interests from Liberia to the other fields indicated in the final paragraph of the Department’s 10, May 22, 1 p.m.
Believing that the Firestone project offers a unique opportunity for Liberian rehabilitation and prosperity, the Department can only view the possibility of Firestone’s withdrawal with the greatest regret, and it is confident that the Liberian Government will realize the gravity and urgency of the situation.
[Page 447]You will employ your best efforts to remove all possible misunderstanding as to the meaning of the Department’s 14, June 20, noon, and to facilitate a prompt conclusion of the negotiations. To this end you may show and read this telegram to the Liberian authorities. Do not give a copy to the Minister.