740.00112 European War 1939/2639: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia (Walton) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 12:45 p.m.]
38. Firestone Plantations Company General Manager in second request for navicert for gasoline-kerosene shipment from Lagos, informed British representative investigation discloses charge that subsidiaries trade with German firms an exaggeration based on misinformation. British Chargé d’Affaires in a letter recommending blacklist referred further to American Minister storing cement in Azor-mann warehouse and has made disparaging remarks thereto. Cement landed during a heavy rainfall. Accommodations first requested of Paterson Zochonis. Bank manager unfairly accused of being pro-German for neutral stand.
To suppress enemy trade it is not necessary that Chargé d’Affaires adopt dictatorial methods, strangle Liberian trade and cripple American shipping. William Dennis, most potential Liberian competitor and dealing in American products, sent a $6,000 order to New York in September. British stopped delivery. Navicert policy chiefly responsible for decrease in 1941 customs revenues. English and German firms continue to transact business. Syrian companies, acting as agents of former, compelled to take orders from British Chargé d’Affaires; reports discussed with them subject of blacklisting subsidiaries. Last week he publicly boasted to other nationals of his actions against bank and United States Trading Company.
Please advise if it is the prerogative of other Legations to issue instructions peremptorily to American nationals regarding their affairs without the knowledge of the American Legation.
Only intervention of our Government will put an end to an intolerable situation needlessly occasioned.