882.5048/59: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Wharton) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 14—2:34 p.m.]
40. Referring to Legation’s No. 39, August 9, 2 p.m.; and Department’s No. 30 [29], August 3, noon, particular reference to paragraph (d) and numbered 2.
Secretary of State orally advises that the Liberian Government feels that this paragraph should read: “To what extent compulsory labor exists as a factor in the social and industrial economy of the state either for public or private purposes.”
[Page 298]He states that second clause of Department’s emendation seems to carry with it a conclusion of fact the existence of which is actually the purpose of the Commission’s inquiry and that his Government believed that paragraph (d) as quoted above with the words “public or private purposes” is sufficiently broad in scope to enable the Commission to inquire into all recruitment and employment of alleged compulsory labor for public and private purposes. He adds that the other emendation[s] are all right in principle and he made no comment.
Upon receiving Department’s reply, terms of reference will be concluded and the Liberian Government will request Department recommend a member and request to League of Nations by Liberia direct.
[Paraphrase.] I have heard of the Liberian Government’s endeavor to be represented at the League of Nations by a Spaniard,21 and from a reliable source I learn that the Liberian Government has authorized the payment of its fees to the League of Nations, some $4000, which practically takes up all of the unassigned revenues on hand. [End paraphrase.]
- The arrangement contemplated was the naming of a Spaniard by the League of Nations to serve on the Commission of Inquiry.↩