882.01/62: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia ( Wharton ) to the Secretary of State
Monrovia
, November
26, 1936—9 a.m.
[Received 3:22 p.m.]
[Received 3:22 p.m.]
40. Referring to Department’s instruction No. 23, October 6. I mailed yesterday despatch 634 fully reporting conference with Barclay [Page 407] in which he voluntarily brought up Polish question and informed me as follows:
- 1.
- Liberian Minister, Paris, suggested to Polish Minister there that in view of good relations between their two countries Poland should endeavor to counteract press reports by publishing declaration concerning Poland’s intentions towards Liberia.
- 2.
- He had received a despatch from Liberian Minister dated November 6th reporting that instead of answering suggestion Polish Minister informed him that he had been instructed to make firm protest against news item in Weekly Mirror 5 on October 2nd by Carrand [Caranda] said to be a Liberian copy of an article from the News Review of London entitled “Leakage of German-Polish Plan Originates in Warsaw” and the protest carries with it a threat that if Liberian Government does not publish statement in Mirror that news item does not coincide with its views Polish Government would be inclined to withdraw support formerly given Liberia at Geneva in case any new negotiations between Liberia and the League arise.
- 3.
- Barclay asked me formally what would be my Government’s attitude should there possibly be some foreign aggression against Liberia.
- 4.
- I replied that I was not in position to answer this question.
- 5.
- He remarked that he is fully cognizant of our neutrality law and policy but feels that if my Government issues statement that she would look with disfavor on any hostile act against Liberia, position of his Government would be greatly strengthened.
Wharton