882.124A/39: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Legation in Liberia (Wharton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:50 p.m.]
34. Department’s 15, July 9, 5 p.m. British Chargé d’Affaires has not received instructions. French representative here is merely a gérant Consul just entering upon duties. Acting German Consul has thus far supported program of existing sanitary board.
Yesterday afternoon conference with British Chargé d’Affaires [and] Loomis, [we] concur that it would be best plan is [sic] to invite Rockefeller Foundation yellow fever and sanitation expert be sent from Lagos to advise Government. If such expert available, British Chargé d’Affaires and I recommend that matter be taken up with Rockefeller Foundation, New York.
[Page 321]General opinion here British Chargé d’Affaires, Dr. Rice,40 Loomis and myself, that the sanitation problem simple question of removable [removal] of vegetation, debris and drainage with such cleaning work to be repeated periodically, unless sewer and water systems contemplated.
Loomis contends that such systems financially impracticable and perhaps unnecessary, also worthless without continued supervision and future operation by foreigners. Advisable to use a couple of thousand dollars loan money complete present cleaning up.
Present work of special sanitary board of President’s aide-decamp,41 Loomis and Secretary Morris,42 by Americans, British, and Germans actually directing laborers in the streets cleaning city and back yards. Should sanitation expert be decided upon, to work effectively must be directly under President43 who will be responsible and not under any Cabinet officer.
No action taken yet by me with the Government of Liberia or with French representative. Shall I follow Department’s 15?