882.5048/5: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Liberia ( Francis )

27. Your 33, August 28, 10 a.m.27 I regret to hear of President King’s illness which I trust is not serious but believe that he will wish to see you regarding the charges which Buell is making regarding the Firestone concession and American loan to Liberia at Williamstown today. Buell’s speech will be published in today’s afternoon papers and the Department understands that Firestone is telegraphing the pertinent passages to Hines for transmission to President King.

The Department believes that a statement from President King sent direct to the Associated Press, New York City, along the lines recently suggested by him to Hines, would receive wide and favorable publicity in the American press, particularly if he can send it in time for publication in Thursday morning’s papers while Buell’s charges are still fresh and before there has been opportunity for editorial comment.

You may discuss this telegram as well as the Department’s 26, August 18, with President King and Hines and should telegraph the Department regarding President King’s decision in the matter.

Castle
  1. Not printed.