882.01 Foreign Control/367: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 20—1:45 p.m.]
250. From Reber. While willing to insert as strong provisions as possible to secure adequate authority for principal adviser Cecil attaches equal importance to the choice of the individual. He explained [Page 753] that without a suitable appointee no machinery however well devised will be adequate.
He told me that the British Government was prepared to advocate the choice of a neutral for this position. Appreciating the objections to the selection of a British, French or Dutch national the choice of any one of whom he will oppose he feels that his Government cannot support the appointment of an American citizen. He advanced this thesis voluntarily and explained that he felt that such an increase in American participation, inasmuch as the American fiscal officers will remain, would be incompatible with the functions of the International Committee which, rather than the American Government, would be responsible for the execution of its scheme. He added that should the American Government be disposed to accept full responsibility for the execution of any scheme his Government would consider that the best solution and he personally would be willing to recommend to the Council of the League that Liberia be left to American administration. He wished to assure me that Great Britain was not desirous of seeking any special position nor was it opposing in any manner the American interests in Liberia but he felt that if the question of Liberian councilors were to be maintained a subject of international concern, so dominant an American supervision would be unacceptable to the Committee. With this understanding he was pleased to support any position we chose to adopt at the Committee meetings.
The German representative has assured me of the support of his Government to secure adequate authority for the Chief Adviser. He expressed the hope, however, that the United States will support a neutral for the position.
Other members notably Spain, Panama and Poland have also manifested the same desire if an extension of authority is to be granted the Chief Adviser. [Reber.]