882.001/56a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Liberia (Reber)
111. Department’s 110, December 5, 4 p.m. Before I consent to the conduct of relations with the new Liberian Government, I wish to establish the fact that a legal head of the Government is in existence. Should you meet Edwin Barclay, you may quite informally intimate your belief that the United States Government would be more disposed to acceptance of the present situation were it promptly to receive a declaration to the effect that President King’s successor accepted the International Commission’s report, intended carrying it out in full, and forthwith would create the necessary machinery to execute it; that those whose guilt the report established will be disqualified from office and punished for their offenses; and that the recently reported outrages against persons who testified for the International Commission will be fully investigated.
If you are not likely to meet Barclay, you may convey this information, in your discretion, by means of a reliable third person, such as the Financial Adviser, John Loomis.