882.01 Foreign Control/265: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 20—11:15 a.m.]
199. From Reber. The Council this morning accepted with almost no discussion the report of the Liberian Commission and approved the suggestion to send a special representative to try to handle the Kru situation.46 The question of funds available for this purpose was raised and it was stated that the Liberian Government should meet the expenses of this special agent. While it was recognized that they might have difficulty in finding a sufficient amount at the moment, any advances made, possibly by the League, would eventually have to be repaid by Liberia.
The rapporteur’s statement mentioned the health situation in the following terms:
“The sanitary work begun by Dr. Howells has been hindered owing to lack of funds and in view of the fears raised by the present situation the German, British and French representatives at Monrovia have [Page 730] expressed their desire that the attention of the Government of the United States should be called to the existing state of things with a view to the release by the American Finance Corporation of loan funds for the health work begun at Monrovia.
I think I am faithfully interpreting the wishes of the members of the Council in emphasizing the interest attaching to the sanitary work undertaken by Liberia and in expressing the hope that means will be found to carry forward this very important work.”
With regard to the suggestion made in the Department’s telegram 89, May 19, 5 p.m.,47 inasmuch as I explained the Department’s views contained in its earlier telegram to Lord Cecil yesterday I felt that it might be well at the present time not to raise the question of the subsequent appointment of the Commissioner General particularly in view of the fact that the Committee and the Council have now decided that the present appointment to be made is purely one of an emergency nature and solely for the purpose of seeking a peaceful solution of the Kru situation.
Cecil explained to me that the British Government thought it preferable to withdraw its suggestion regarding the appointment of an official from one of the neighboring colonies and will leave the choice of a man to the Secretary General of the League. He said there was no possibility that a Frenchman will be chosen but that in his capacity as a League official Dr. Mackenzie, the health expert, might be entrusted with this mission. He has had considerable experience with tropic countries and while primarily not an administrator it is thought that his known connection with the League will give him adequate prestige among the natives and that he will be satisfactory to all parties. I will be informed of the definite choice made. I have opposed no objections up to the present time but should this appointment be judged unsatisfactory I shall immediately present any objections the Department may wish to have me make.
Upon the request of the Secretariat I have said they may give what publicity they believe advisable to the American memorandum and the Rydings report, provided the consent of the British and French is gained for the latter. [Reber.]