Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1931, Volume II

882.01 Foreign Control/105: Telegram

The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State

Geneva, March 30, 1931—5 p.m.
[Received March 30–—4:13 p.m.]

54. Department’s No. 28, March 4, 6 p.m., to American Legation, Berne, last paragraph.⁴² Since receipt of telegram under reference, I have avoided all contact with Secretariat respecting Liberian affairs.

Secretariat officials, however, informed me today that they had some information to give me which they regarded as important respecting developments in the Liberian situation. After a conversation with the American Legation, Berne, I decided that I should be receptive to the information both because of its possible importance and because of the misunderstanding which might be created should I not be responsive to their approach in such a matter. The information and viewpoint which was imparted to me this morning by League officials may be summarized as follows:

1. Reber’s position in London was understood to be that the experts, to study conditions in Liberia, should proceed as soon as possible.

2. Council Committee desired to meet American wishes but hesitated respecting early despatch of experts to Monrovia in view of health conditions there, reluctant to expose experts to undue dangers.

3. Compromise plan was finally decided on whereby sanitary measures might be taken before the arrival of experts in Liberia. This eventuated in British Government lending services of government physician at the Gold Coast, who proceeded to Monrovia on March 19 to take immediate measures to improve health conditions there. League is paying his salary and subsistence expenses.

4. Secretariat now learns that British physician has not been able to undertake any work due to failure of Liberian Government to provide necessary funds estimated at maximum of $5,000.

5. Secretariat feels that physician cannot be left indefinitely in Monrovia without accomplishing anything, nor does it feel that the experts can proceed until health conditions are improved.

6. Secretariat understands the Liberian Government, with respect to not providing for funds, takes the position that they are willing to provide them but that they are unable to do so as not within “limits of their resources” because the Financial Adviser will not or cannot make funds available.

7. It is contemplated that the foregoing situation may shortly have to be laid before the Council Committee on Liberia inasmuch as it has been planned that the experts proceed on May 6th.

8. If the matter be laid before Council Committee, Secretariat feels that the outcome is doubtful. The result may be that the physician may be withdrawn and the proceeding of the experts indefinitely delayed, in any event delayed until the beginning of the dry season at the end of the year.

9. Secretariat feels that the entire plan is being impaired by League loss of prestige in Liberia should the present situation continue. Moreover, the situation is such that the whole project may be jeopardized by action which might be taken by members of the Council or by members of Council Committee who are unfriendly to it. The League is confronted by serious budgetary difficulties, and the project might be given up or indefinitely postponed on the plea of economy, which would receive the support of states unfriendly to the plan or not interested in it. This would be particularly true if no substantial progress in carrying out of the plan is made before the next assembly.

In view of portion of Department’s telegram referred to, I would appreciate instructions as to the attitude it is desired I assume should I again be approached by Secretariat officials respecting Liberia. It would appear inevitable that I will again be approached in this matter.

Gilbert

42. Not printed; it stated: “In view of the thorough exchange of views on these matters in London, I do not believe it would be advisable for you or Gilbert to discuss them with League officials” (882.01 Foreign Control/87).