752.822/1
The Chargé in Liberia (Wharton) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 17.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that Honorable C. L. Simpson, Liberian Secretary of State, informs me that negotiations have been started in Paris by Baron O. de Bogaerde, Liberian Minister, and the Spanish Ambassador there for a treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation between Spain and Liberia.
[Page 757]Upon a suggestion made a few months ago by Baron de Bogaerde, Secretary Simpson authorized him to approach the Spanish Ambassador in Paris with a view towards recognizing General Franco’s5 government and beginning negotiations for a treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation along the lines of the recent treaty concluded between Liberia and France.
Baron de Bogaerde in an informal letter to Secretary Simpson written the latter part of April pointed out that, if he is appointed Liberian Chargé d’Affaires to Spain, he would be in a position to carry on in San Sebastian and Madrid Liberia’s representation to both France and Spain in the event that the Liberian Legation has to evacuate Paris; and that the establishment of a small office in Spain by him would be without additional expense to the Liberian Government.
In an airmail letter received a few days ago by Secretary Simpson, Baron de Bogaerde suggests that the treaty be concluded as early as possible and that he be appointed Liberian Chargé d’Affaires to Spain. Following this letter, Bogaerde has telegraphed Secretary Simpson urgently requesting his appointment to Spain.
Secretary Simpson is at a loss to understand the urgency of concluding the treaty and appointing a representative to Spain. He says that, while President Barclay has given him authority to appoint Baron de Bogaerde to the position, he favors waiting for an explanation from Bogaerde as to the necessity of rushing the matter, especially since he has been told that General Franco has not indicated an early appointment of a representative to Liberia. According to Secretary Simpson, two Spaniards are supposed to have left Spain sometime in April for Monrovia as unofficial agents of the Spanish State to visit Liberia on a commercial mission and with an idea of again making Monrovia a port of call of Trasatlantica vessels sailing between the Spanish Peninsula, the Canaries and Fernando Po. These two men have thus far failed to reach Monrovia.
In ordinary circumstances, I would see no reason why Liberia should not conclude a treaty with Spain, particularly since a treaty quite likely may lead to beneficial commercial relations with that country. However, I believe that Secretary Simpson’s position is well taken to wait for some explanation from Baron de Bogaerde despite any commercial advantages that might accrue to Liberia as a result of the treaty.
Apparently Secretary Simpson is not unmindful of the avowed friendship of General Franco for Germany and Italy and the latter’s entrance into the war against the allies. He does not care to hasten into a treaty and exchange representatives with Spain at present.
Respectfully yours,
- Francisco Franco, Spanish Chief of State.↩