882.01 Foreign Control/325: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain (Atherton)
215. For Reber. Your telegram 234, August 4, 1 p.m. Please acknowledge the first letter stating that you have been instructed by your Government to say that you will again represent the United States at the meeting of the International Committee on Liberia opening September 19. Please inform Ambassador Gibson and Gilbert by mail.
[Page 747]You may use your discretion as to whether it would be desirable to acknowledge the second letter. The Department understands that at present the Firestones do not intend to have a representative at the next meeting. This is based upon their desire to have the essentials of a “plan” and the question of “authority” definitely accepted by Liberia as a prerequisite to negotiations by either the Finance Corporation or the Plantations Company with Liberia. As you know the Department is in entire sympathy with this point of view, so that on the whole we believe it would be better either to make no acknowledgment of the second letter or to limit your reply to a brief statement of receipt.
Your transportation expenses and a per diem of $6.00 which includes all tips are approved from Brussels to Geneva, while there, and return. Accounts chargeable to transportation of Foreign Service officers. You are authorized to proceed to Geneva a few days in advance of the meeting, should that be necessary.