882.5048/363: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Reber) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4 p.m.]
165. Legislative session yesterday was devoted to attacks upon the President for his acceptance of the Commission’s report and expression of determination to repudiate his note to the United States Government and his promises of reform. Sessions were then adjourned until December 2nd to await the report of the committee which it is understood will recommend impeachment, see my telegram 164. It is reported that considerable pressure is being brought on the President either to resign before impeachment or to repudiate his reform program.
It appears to be the belief of the Legislature and an organization recently formed to combat the reform program that they will then be permitted to evolve their own plan of improvement and to disregard Commission’s report, particularly the suggestion calling for the appointment of foreign commissioners and opening of the hinterland.
[Paraphrase.] The President states that under these circumstances he is powerless to insist upon his reform program being executed. Even though he remain in office, the prospects for a successful termination of his program now appear improbable without further demands and pressure from outside sources. No evidence exists that [Page 377] the situation can be controlled by the opposition leaders, and uniting the various factions under one man will be difficult. The only points of union at present seem to be opposition to the Commission’s report and the anti-white sentiment. [End paraphrase.]