882.01 Foreign Control/289: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Liberia (Mitchell)
46. Your 66, June 24, 11 p.m. Careful consideration has been given to the substance of your telegram. As you are aware this Government deems it imperative that, in the interest of Liberia itself, ample and adequate authority both administrative and executive be delegated by Liberia to the international “Commissioner Generalship” to enable it to function effectively.
Barclay’s plan as reported by you in your telegram under reference is not clear on this vital point. Without such a delegation of powers any plan of rehabilitation would in our opinion be destined to failure. Unless Barclay’s plan fully conforms to this principle it will not meet with our approval.
[Page 745]If it is the wish of the Liberian Government and people that Liberia’s acceptance of the League report, with the delegation of ample and adequate authority, be contingent upon the appointment of an American citizen to the post of “Commissioner General” this Government will not interpose any objection to it.
You should inform Barclay of the foregoing orally.
You may acquaint Hines with the action taken.