882.00/852: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Reber) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:04 p.m.]
144. My 142, October 13, 6 p.m. It may be said that the political situation here is nearing a crisis, and it is difficult accurately to predict the outcome of the meeting set for October 20. Although the Citizens’ League has counseled against violence and disorder, political feeling is running high, while the League appears to be equally firm in its insistence that the President’s resignation be compulsory, if [Page 362] possible by legal means. President King continues taking precautions and seems to be anxious regarding the situation. I foresee no danger to the white community’s lives or property unless, in the as yet improbable event that President King no longer can retain control, there should break away from its leaders an unorganized mob to turn to looting of trading stores. The British Chargé d’Affaires, with whom I discussed the situation, agrees with me in seeing no immediate cause for alarm; however, we are watching developments very closely lest it should be considered desirable to protect foreign interests. Should events in the next few days appear to menace white residents or property, he feels he may be obliged to request a British war vessel for their protection.
The need for this might be avoided, even should the anti-white faction seize control, through the assumption of authority by the military and financial advisers acting as Liberian officials (in the absence of duly constituted government) to protect the Government’s revenues and its treasury. In this event the Legation of course will refrain from any action and will confine its efforts to the request for the safeguarding of the lives and property of Americans and other foreign nationals and to the expression of hope for the avoidance of disorder and bloodshed.
It is not felt that the situation as yet requires such extreme measures, though due precautions are deemed advisable, since immediate action may be necessary if disorders arise. Instructions would be appreciated regarding the attitude of the Legation in either contingency.