882.01 Foreign Control/197: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 25—8:35 p.m.]
31. From Reber. Renthe-Fink on Saturday called on Howe and Hines in order to ascertain the attitude of the Finance Corporation with regard to the advance of further funds. The following statement received from Howe contains the substance of his reply:
“The Finance Corporation is not unwilling to discuss a modification of the 1926 loan agreement but could lend only if most thorough administrative safeguards are assured and if the situation does not change in Liberia in such a manner as to alter the basis of discussion possible at the present time.
“It has been tentatively arranged that this expression of their attitude as regards further financing will be explained to the committee by the experts who have consulted with them.[”]
From informal conversations with Howe and Hines it appears that they are not at this time prepared to modify their draft proposal but are willing to make every effort to avoid discussion of the control factor for the moment. I understand that Howe has explained their position in confidence to Brunot and has expressed the hope that it will not be necessary at present for him to express his opinion with regard to the establishment of an international committee of control in view of his instructions from his principals. [Reber.]