882.124a/115: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Liberia (Reber)
121. Your telegram No. 182, December 27, 9 a.m. You may state informally to the Acting Secretary of State in reply to his message that the American Government feels that during the eleven months of Dr. Smith’s stay in Liberia, the Liberian Government had every opportunity to support practicable and highly desirable measures in favor of sanitation and public health, and that during this period Liberia gave abundantly conclusive evidence of its indifference to their importance. This failure to cooperate was responsible for Dr. Smith’s withdrawal only a few days ago and while the American Government is gratified if the message under acknowledgment should indicate a change in the attitude of Liberia in the above respect, I am naturally unable to enter into any discussion of the Liberian request pending the return of Dr. Smith to Washington and the submission of his report.
Should you wish to comment on this message you are requested to do so prior to its delivery. In your discretion you are authorized to convey it orally to Barclay rather than to the Acting Secretary of State.