752.822/3: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Wharton) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19—6 p.m.]
47. Department’s telegram 28, August 14. Inviting attention to agreement referred to, Liberian Secretary of State on August 12th addressed communication to Legation to the effect that Spanish Government approached Liberian Government recently looking towards negotiating and signing an aviation agreement and submitted proposal setting forth their desire to ascertain if Liberia approve and permit aviation camp here, construction of which has to be determined and decided by two Governments, for land planes for passengers and mail flying between Bata and Seville calling at Monrovia weekly both ways.
[The Liberian Secretary of State?] requests that the proposal be submitted to my Government with assurance that he will welcome any suggestion or advice you may be good enough to offer.
Delay in reporting to the Department was [explained?] by my telegram No. 46, August 14th.8 No decision yet reached on the proposal and I respectfully request a reply as early as possible.
According to Secretary Simpson in addition to aviation proposal [Page 760] Spanish proposals include: (1) exchange of representatives; (2) treaty as reported; and (3) Liberian labor for colonies.
Simpson repeats his Government does not desire services of physician and informs me that the other Spaniard not accorded recognition because of misunderstanding as to his status having presented commission as consular agent but claiming quasi-diplomatic rank and rank of Consul; further no word from Spanish Government or Bogaerde as to status and latter not yet recognized by Spanish Government.
Simpson further states that he is personally opposed to air agreement as well as labor. He adds President Barclay emphatically against labor proposal and told him his policy has been and will be to proceed most cautiously in establishing relations with Spain.
Activities of Spaniards thus far appear to be limited to proposals herein. They have been unsuccessful in trying to rent furnished house. I am informed that consular agent plans leaving by next steamer Spanish northward due at Monrovia in about 1 week to confer with his Government and clarify his status.
- Not printed.↩