882.01 Foreign Control/951: Telegram

The Chargé in Liberia (Hibbard) to the Secretary of State

[Extracts]

17. Department’s telegram No. 8, June 3, 1 p.m. The Liberian Legislature took final action yesterday in ratifying the Firestone agreements and repealing all repudiationist legislation. Although the session was specially called to consider these matters there has [Page 948] been some delay due to the necessity for reorganization and because of the usual political maneuvering. However, the discussions have been carried out in a most friendly spirit. Two small changes of no consequence have been made. (1) Firestone employees must register with the Department of the Interior and reserve residence permits but there will be no Chargé. (2) Landing fields established by Firestone shall be subject to customs inspection if used in international flights.

A concurrent resolution was passed authorizing the President at some future date to discuss with the Finance Corporation the possibility of increasing the budget from $450,000 to $500,000, the increase to be used specifically for road construction.

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… Fisher16 and I have been in constant touch with the President and other officials who have been very helpful. The attitude toward the United States and Firestone has greatly improved. The British Government has informed the Liberian Government that it does not see its way clear to extend recognition until there has been a satisfactory settlement of the Kru question. I consider, however, that we should not delay and I hope that when the Department is ready I will be sent a message for delivery to Barclay in a formal ceremony as this will please him and the people.

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Hibbard
  1. F. C. Fisher, legal adviser to Firestone interests.