882.01/48a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Liberia (Hibbard)
9. Please call on President Barclay on Tuesday, June 11th, and with appropriate ceremony hand him the following note:
“It is with real pleasure that I communicate to Your Excellency the decision of the American Government to extend as of today formal recognition to your Administration. At the same time the Secretary of State has directed me to express the good wishes of the American Government and people for the welfare of Liberia and to affirm their confidence in its rehabilitation under the plan which Your Excellency has formulated.”
You should, of course, as a matter of record, address a similar communication with the necessary changes in syntax to the Secretary of State. You may also deliver to President Barclay an oral message pointing out the gratification of the President and myself at the progress which has already been achieved within the past few months under his leadership, and our desire to be helpful in any proper way.
If, in your knowledge of the local situation, you desire to make any changes in the note or procedure, please telegraph us your suggestion at once, as we desire to release it to the press in Washington Tuesday afternoon.
The following day, you should inform the Liberian Government that the President of the United States having learned of the decision of Mr. Loomis to resign as Financial Adviser, has designated Mr. Charles I. McCaskey for appointment in his place, subject to this nomination being personally agreeable to President Barclay. I shall be glad to forward by telegram to McCaskey any offer of appointment made him by Barclay.
[Page 950]Please further deliver the following message from me to Mr. Loomis:
“It is with real regret that I have learned from your telegram of your intention to retire from your post as Financial Adviser to the Republic of Liberia upon the designation of a successor. The Liberian Government has today been informed of the designation of Mr. Charles I. McCaskey for appointment in your stead. May I, in taking note of your intention, send you an expression of appreciation for the high caliber of service you have rendered, and of good wishes for your future welfare and happiness.”
I do not want to close this telegram without adding a word of congratulation to you, Hibbard, on the admirable work you have done since reaching Monrovia. It is a pleasure to send you this well-merited commendation.