882.00/862: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Reber) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:42 p.m.]
172. President King presented the Legislature with a copy of the Secretary’s memorandum of November 17, together with his [Page 380] own resignation. The memorandum was not read, but subsequently it was circulated among the legislators, among whom it reportedly caused considerable uneasiness, and may weaken the position of Edwin Barclay.
The strength of Barclay is derived largely from his opposition to foreigners and to the suggested reforms, and it appears probable he will try to modify the reforms by further promises of partial reforms. At the present time it would seem important to insist upon a declaration by the new Government of its policy toward President King’s acceptance of the Commission’s report and toward his request for United States aid and then to exert additional pressure regarding the reform program, the punishment of guilty officials, and a full investigation by the Government of the recent Kru coast disturbances.
Whether Barclay is able to control the situation for long may be doubted, and his administration, it is feared, may cause more chaos in the ordinary conduct of duties and obligations by the Government.