882.5048/255: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Carter) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 28—9:05 p.m.]
41. My telegram No. 37, March 20, 11 a.m.22 Saw President of Liberia today and found him much better. Speaking of the Commission he said he thought first thing was for Commission to draw up rules of procedure and that the different members should make individual suggestions upon which the Government would then pass. I replied immediately that I had always understood that the question of procedure was in accordance with the terms of reference, that I thought that the Commission should be formally constituted and should then proceed to draw up rules of procedure which could, if necessary, be examined by the Government to determine whether they were in accord with the terms of reference. King made no reply to my remark but I strongly suspect that his remark was intended to open the way to prolonged discussion and represents an attempt to narrow the scope of the Commission’s activities. Have informed Johnson23 and will keep the Department informed of developments.