882.635 Neep/47: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in the Netherlands (Gordon)
12. Your 17, February 14, 5 p.m. Although the Department cannot, of course, urge American concerns to invest in Liberia or any other foreign country, or even recommend that such investments be undertaken, it is willing to use its good offices toward bringing responsible foreign business interests in touch with American concerns which might be interested in foreign projects.
It is suggested therefore that you seek an early occasion to inform Van Nierop in confidence that after giving the matter further consideration you are inclined to believe that American concerns might be interested in his proposal, provided that the extent and quality of the iron ore deposits in Liberia can be satisfactorily established. You may add that among other American concerns which might be willing to consider the proposal, it would seem that the United States Steel Corporation would be an obvious organization to approach, and that you understand that Mr. John M. Sias, Assistant Vice President of the corporation, 71 Broadway, New York City, is in charge of raw material questions. If Van Nierop should decide to approach Sias you might suggest that communication be direct to him rather than through any intermediary.