882.5048/39: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Liberia (Wharton)
25. Department’s 16, July 12, 7 p.m. Department appreciates that the death of Mr. Francis has necessitated a temporary suspension of the discussions with the Liberian Government regarding the appointment of the commission to investigate forced labor and slavery conditions in Liberia. However, it does not appear advisable to permit the matter to wait longer as Thomas Faulkner13 has just published in the Baltimore Afro-American of July 20 a vigorous and detailed attack upon forced labor and slavery conditions in Liberia, and it is likely that this article will be followed by other public discussion in this country and elsewhere. It is thought that unfavorable criticism which would inevitably arise in the course of such public discussion might to a considerable extent be forestalled and minimized by prompt action on the part of the Liberian Government in the form of the announcement of the commission. It is therefore desired that you present a note as outlined in Department’s 16, July 12, 7 p.m. with the following changes.
- (1)
- Add the following introductory phrases to the first paragraph of the note as contained in Department’s 16: “Three days before the lamented death of Minister Francis he received instructions from the American Department of State to present a note in reply to your note of July 2 regarding alleged conditions of forced labor in Liberia. Minister Francis’ untimely death prevented him from carrying out these instructions and from continuing his discussions with the Liberian Government on this matter in which he had a deep and sympathetic interest. The Government of the United States now desires that I continue the discussions inaugurated by the late Minister and accordingly”; and continue with paragraph one and the rest of the note as contained in Department’s 16.
- (2)
- In the penultimate paragraph of that note, change the phrase “has appointed a commission” to read “is appointing an international commission.”
While in theory it might be preferable to determine upon the personnel of the commission before making announcement of its appointment, it is possible that the publicity which seems likely to arise may render it advisable for the Liberian Government to consider making the announcement that it is appointing an international commission before the actual personnel of the commission has been settled. You may discuss this feature of the matter informally and confidentially with the Liberian Government. Please cable when the note has been presented and advise Department of the Liberian reaction.
- Thomas J. R. Faulkner, of Monrovia.↩