882.20/444: Telegram

The Ambassador in France ( Bullitt ) to the Secretary of State

860. The Liberian Minister in Paris Baron de Bogaerde called on me this morning and gave me to read instructions from his Government to him informing him that the Liberian Government on April 13 had requested the French Minister in Liberia to obtain a promise from the French Government to support Liberia in time of war and ordering him to press the matter with the French Foreign Office. He also gave me to read a copy of the instructions of the Liberian Government to the Liberian Minister in London instructing him to ask the British Government for a similar promise of assistance.

The Liberian Minister went on to say that neither he nor the Liberian Minister in London had been able to obtain any reply except that these requests were being studied with interest. He added that it was difficult for him to see either Bonnet or Léger and asked me if I could not attempt to obtain from the French Foreign Office an oral promise that in case of an attack on Liberia the French would give assistance to Liberia.

I informed the Liberian Minister that I had already discussed this matter with Bonnet and Léger and added that I would be of any assistance that I could within the limits of my instructions and diplomatic proprieties.

Later I asked Bonnet if the French Government had taken any action with regard to this Liberian request. Bonnet replied that no decision had been made, and said he wished I would discuss the matter with Léger.

I have informed the Liberian Minister in Paris of this statement of Bonnet’s.

Bullitt