882.01 Foreign Control/276: Telegram

The Minister in Liberia (Mitchell) to the Secretary of State

59. The Legation transmits at the urgent request of Liberia a declaration of its firm intentions regarding proposals made at Geneva on May 20.

“26 May 1932.

1.
The Liberian Government will not accept proposal of League re personnel. Desires United States Government nominate for appointment three American citizens, white or black, to serve as provincial commissioners. Commissioners to be responsible, through Interior Department, but will have right of direct contact with the President when necessary and requisite.
2.
The Government does not intend to modify in any degree the terms of Firestone planting agreement.50 Will, however, ask United States Government to support certain modifications of loan agreement51 which experience proves to be necessary.
3.
The Government will not accept any further investigation of Kru Coast conditions which are purely internal affair.
4.
If United States Government will be good enough to support Liberian attitude as outlined above, Liberian Government will be able to reply in a definitive sense to suggestions of the League when Mr. Grimes’ official report reaches us; and future policy will be based upon close cooperation with the United States Government and legitimate American interests established in Liberia. Edwin Barclay.”
Mitchell