811.3340/1049
The Chargé in Liberia (Wharton) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 8.]
Sir: I have the honor to report upon the visit to Monrovia of the U. S. S. Omaha, Flagship of Rear Admiral David M. LeBreton, commanded by Captain P. Powell, for a period of twenty-four hours beginning October 9, 1940, which was the subject of my telegram of October 10, 7 p.m.,3 and earlier telegrams exchanged with the Department.
[Page 754]Upon receipt of the Department’s telegram no. 37 of October 1, 5 p.m., instructing me to request facilities for the Omaha to visit Monrovia informally from October 9 to 11, inclusive, I felt that owing to the tense internal political situation the Department should be informed of the facts set forth in my telegram no. 58 of October 3, 9 a.m. [p.m.]. Shortly thereafter, there was a slight lessening of the tension and when the Department’s telegram no. 39 of October 4, 7 p.m. was received, I believed that the visit of the vessel would have no unfortunate effect on the internal situation and at once requested permission for the twenty-four hour visit. Permission for the visit was accorded by the Liberian Government.
The Omaha arrived in Monrovia harbor on October 9th at 5:15 p.m. Admiral LeBreton, accompanied by Flag Lieutenant Sylvester, called on me at the Legation that same evening. This call was apparently due to a misunderstanding caused by the Liberian boarding officer who met the ship telling the Admiral that he thought that he was expected ashore that evening.
I had a most enjoyable talk with the Admiral. When the tentative program for the next day had been arranged, I took the Admiral into my confidence as suggested by the Department’s telegram no. 39 of October 4, 7 p.m. and he at once understood the Department’s suggestions.
On the morning of October 10th, I paid my official call on Admiral LeBreton which was followed by the Admiral’s visit to President Barclay. The visit to President Barclay was a most pleasant one. Honorable C. L. Simpson, Liberian Secretary of State, on behalf of the President, later made a return call on Admiral LeBreton.
At 1 p.m. President Barclay gave a luncheon to the Admiral, nine of the Omaha’s officers, the cabinet, aide-de-camp, private secretary and myself at the Executive Mansion. The President in welcoming the Admiral and his guests said that he was happy that the United States Government had not forgotten this little sister Republic on the West Coast of Africa at this time and that he was always glad to have American naval vessels call at Monrovia just as often as possible.
Admiral LeBreton in responding said that in these times of turmoil and strife democratic countries were being tested and that to be strong and withstand the test, they must stand together. He further said that it was a great pleasure for him to visit Monrovia for the first time.
It is of interest to report that during the luncheon conversation Admiral LeBreton took the opportunity to inform the President that in these dangerous times there is great need for national unity in [Page 755] democratic countries, and I not only feel that the President got the significance of this remark, but also will be helped thereby.
After the luncheon President Barclay in conversing with the Admiral showed interest in the question of air communication between South America and West Africa. He sent for an atlas to point out that in his opinion the shortest distance across the South Atlantic and West Africa is between Brazil and Liberia. This conversation will most likely be reported to the Department by the Admiral.
On leaving the Executive Mansion I took the Admiral and his staff to the new Legation building at Mamba Point. These officers expressed delight at the building and splendid site selected for our new home.
From 4 to 5 p.m. I had the pleasure of receiving the Admiral, twenty of his officers, leading Liberian Officials, American colony, diplomatic and consular corps at the Legation. I estimate that about one hundred and eight people were present. Admiral LeBreton stated that he was indeed surprised at the size of the fine American colony here.
There are enclosed herewith my remarks4 made on this occasion in welcoming the Admiral to Monrovia. The Admiral replied that he regretted very much that his orders would not permit him to remain longer than twenty-four hours in Liberia. He thanked the American colony, the Legation staff and myself for the cordial reception he and his men had received here. Immediately after the reception, the Admiral and officers left for the Omaha which cleared about 6 p.m.
There is no doubt whatever that the visit of the Omaha at this time has had a most salutary effect; in fact, the visit was timed to perfection, coming when nerves were jittery because of the uncertainty of Liberia’s position internationally. Further, I feel that the visit had a healthy effect on present internal difficulties. While it may not be of any significance, it is interesting to report that the preliminary hearings of the men imprisoned for sedition was terminated the day before the arrival of the Omaha, the presiding Justice of Peace ruling that there was not sufficient evidence to hold the accused over for the grand jury.
Quite naturally there were a few rumors conjecturing on the reasons for the visit of the Omaha. I am glad to report that during the stay of the vessel, there were no unpleasant incidents and I consider the visit highly successful.
Respectfully yours,