882.20/476: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 8—1:45 p.m.]
956. My 690, May 16, 5 p.m. and related correspondence. The Liberian Minister in London received an oral reply from the Foreign Office on July 5 to the inquiry which had been made by the Liberian Government with a view to ascertaining to what extent Liberia could expect assistance from Great Britain should war break out. The statement made to the Liberian Minister was as follows:
“His Majesty’s Government could not remain indifferent if Liberia were the victim of unwarranted aggression which would have for its objective the establishment of a foreign power on her territory.”
Foreign Office information is that recent French activities in Liberia had their inception very largely in a visit paid to Dakar some time ago by Mr. Dennis, Secretary of the Treasury of Liberia who was returning from a trip to the Far East, and his conversations with French officials. Mr. Dennis since his return to Liberia is stated to have suggested the advisability of Liberian officials paying a visit to Sierra Leone to discuss the common interests of Liberia and the British colony in matters of defence. Should such a visit of Liberian officials take place, the Governor, who is also the Commander in Chief, could not make any commitments without reference to London.
I understand that the view of Foreign Office and the service departments in London is that Liberia is in fact in very little danger of attack; that if she were attacked the British Government could obviously not remain unconcerned and would take whatever measures the circumstances might call for. This in substance is the view which has been communicated to the Liberian Minister. I understand that the French proposals, which have been reported to the Department, have not been concerted with the British, and Foreign Office official states that a member of the French Embassy here expressed the private opinion that the excessive personal zeal of the French Minister of Colonies was a considerable factor. The British had already received information that the French proposals were not looked upon with favor by the United States Government and apparently no action is projected here at the moment beyond the declaration already made to the Liberian Minister. This declaration is not to be made public and the Foreign Office wishes it to be held confidential.