811.3382/19
The Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs (Murray) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary: You will recall that about a year ago consideration was given to a plan to further our friendly relations with the Republic of Liberia by sending a naval vessel on a visit to Monrovia, and to extend the cruise of such a vessel so as to include also a visit to Capetown. At the time, the plan proved impracticable, for the Navy informed us that the reduced amount of fuel available for shakedown cruises made it necessary to restrict movements of this kind. Moreover, no vessel appeared to be immediately available for such a purpose and the matter was dropped.
In view of our special interest in Liberia, however, the Navy has from time to time been reminded of our continued hope that a naval visit might be arranged whenever conditions permitted. We have now been informed that in all likelihood the new 10,000 ton cruiser Boise will make its shakedown cruise from September 6 to November 5 and that the commanding officer has been requested to prepare a tentative itinerary to include both Monrovia and Capetown. As the cruiser would first have to engage in aircraft maneuvers at Guantanamo after it leaves the United States in September, it might be expected to arrive at Monrovia about the first of October.
There are a number of reasons why the visit of a U. S. naval vessel to Liberia would be of particular interest and importance at this time. Aside from the fact that the two countries have been in intimate association for more than a century and are bound by close and traditional ties of friendship, the remarkable progress made by Liberia under President Edwin Barclay has attracted the attention and comment [Page 819] of President Roosevelt. As you know, the Liberians look to us for moral support in their endeavor to maintain the independence of their country, and in view of the colonial designs of various Powers in Africa our friendly interest in their welfare may become a vital factor in the future.
Plans have been completed to construct a new Legation in Monrovia and the work is scheduled to start as soon as a final decision is made in regard to a site. Mr. Lester A. Walton, our Minister, is just now returning to his post from home leave of absence, and will probably send us word on this subject shortly. We have concluded a treaty of commerce and navigation with Liberia,33 as well as a treaty of extradition34 and a consular convention,35 all of which await signature in Monrovia. It is interesting to note in this connection that our old treaty of commerce and navigation with Liberia, which was signed in 1862,36 was ratified and proclaimed in 1863, so that this occasion would mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the initiation of treaty relationships between Liberia and the United States.
It would be readily feasible to have the customary ceremonies in connection with the dedication of the new Legation building take place so as to coincide with the projected naval visit, for which purpose the ship’s band would probably be available. At the same time, the airplanes carried by the Boise could perhaps be used to give flights to Liberian officials, including President Barclay, who is a keen aviation enthusiast. Signature of the treaties could doubtless be postponed so as to take place also during the ship’s visit. In addition, I understand that Canon Anson Phelps Stokes of the Washington Cathedral, who is closely identified with missionary and colonizing activities in Liberia, is prepared to send to Monrovia the historic first flag of that Republic, for presentation in a suitable manner to the Liberian Government.
It is evident, therefore, that the proposed visit of the Boise offers an unusual opportunity for making a friendly gesture to Liberia, the significance of which will not be lost on Powers which have been casting covetous eyes in the direction of that small country—the last wholly independent state in Africa. As you will recall, officers of this Government have from time to time in the past made visits to Liberia, the effect of which has been to bring the Liberians to a realization of the value of American cooperation and advice in their struggle to maintain themselves in a predatory world. Moreover, there are at present various problems which inexperienced Liberia has to face [Page 820] in connection with such complicated matters as a foreign iron ore concession.37 The presence of American naval officials at this time would, I am confident, carry an assurance of our continued interest which would be very welcome to the Liberian Government.
- Department of State Treaty Series No. 956, or 54 Stat. 1739.↩
- Department of State Treaty Series No. 955, or 54 Stat. 1733.↩
- Department of State Treaty Series No. 957, or 54 Stat. 1751.↩
- Signed at London, October 21, 1862, Hunter Miller (ed.), Treaties and Other International Acts of the United States of America, vol. 8, p. 859.↩
- See pp. 770 ff.↩