882.00/850: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Reber) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 14—3:50 p.m.]
142. My 138, October 3, 9 a.m. October 20 has been set by the Citizens’ Non-Partisan League as the date for a meeting the object of which will be to prepare a petition to the Liberian Legislature to demand the resignations of the President and Cabinet. President King, I am reliably informed, is concerned over the situation and is taking steps for the safeguarding of his person.
Today the Legislature met, though it will not undertake business until after President King has read his annual message, and the date for this has not been set. If the Legislature refuses to act upon the petition of the citizens, they may attempt the use of force in order to carry it. There may be disturbances.
The Citizens’ League appears to be gaining strength and to be under the control now of an anti-white faction. Its daily published gazette recommends changing the government and reforming all administrative departments, but seems to oppose appointing white district commissioners and extending the system of foreign advisers and states that the punishing of the leading offenders who are named in the report and the establishing of a new government will prove the Liberian people’s good faith.