Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1937, The British Commonwealth, Europe, Near East and Africa, Volume II

882.6351/1: Telegram

The Minister in Liberia (Walton) to the Secretary of State

Monrovia, December 24, 1936—8 a.m.
[Received 8:40 a.m.]

47. For McBride.⁵¹ Japanese Government and a Dutch syndicate are negotiating with Liberian Government concessions to develop Republic’s rich iron deposits. Proposals contemplate building railroads and harbors.

Manager of Dutch diamond syndicate which is operating here returned last week from Europe; he has opened negotiations on behalf of his nationals. A representative clothed with power to make definite and specific commitments is expected to arrive on the next Dutch vessel January 15.

In his absence Barclay has delegated Secretary of the Treasury Dennis to engage in preliminary discussions. Practicability of Liberian Government granting concessions to both applicants, allocating mineral land in different sections of the country, is under consideration.

Walton

51. Harry A. McBride, Assistant to the Secretary of State.