811.34582/6: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia (Walton) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 26—6 a.m.]
62. Department’s No. 37, June 21, 3 p.m. President Barclay has favorably received suggestion. Before committing himself he requests clarification:
- 1.
- Regarding withdrawal of troops upon termination of emergency. He feels there should be a full definition of the term “emergency”.
- 2.
- President Barclay’s only information with respect to arrangements made in British territories in Western Hemisphere has been from radio broadcasts and desires to be more fully apprised.
- 3.
- Is the sending of Marines essential for the preparation of air base as might likely be established.
- 4.
- Question as to location of air base or bases should be fixed in advance.
President Barclay posed the question: If America eventually became a belligerent would it involve a departure from Liberian neutrality or would arrangements be similar to those regarding British naval bases in Egypt? President Barclay’s attitude toward Marines can be attributed to reports of alleged reprehensible conduct in Central America.
My conviction is that all points can be settled to the mutual satisfaction of the two Governments.