882.51/1854: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Liberia (Wharton)
5. Your 5, January 31, 10 p.m. Neither this Department nor the National City Bank is able to understand the reasons for the radical changes made by the Liberian Legislature in the loan agreement. Colonel Crews in a telephone call to the Department stated that he had talked with Firestone, who said that he would probably be compelled to give up the project of growing rubber in Liberia if the changes proposed are final. Colonel Crews further stated that under these conditions the bankers would not consider going ahead with the loan.
Please report to the Department whether the Legislature still remains in session and whether you believe that the modifications made in the agreement represent the final position of the Government of Liberia.