811.34582/6: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Liberia ( Walton )
40. Your 62, June 25, 5 p.m. Please express to President Barclay the President’s sincere appreciation of his friendly understanding of our suggestions.
In reply to the various questions which President Barclay has raised you may offer the following clarifications:
- 1.
- We would propose that the “end of the emergency” should be considered to be the date of the ratification of a peace treaty terminating the war in which Germany is now engaged.
- 2.
- Arrangements with Great Britain regarding bases in British territories in the Western Hemisphere cover such matters as a general description of our rights in those bases, jurisdiction over American military personnel, etc. The text of the agreement with Great Britain will be found beginning on page 387 of the Department of State Bulletin for March 29, 1941, a copy of which you have presumably received. The proposed arrangement with Liberia need not of course be in such detail.
- 3.
- The sending of marines would be a necessity since they would have to prepare the way for construction units, guard supplies, assist in construction of barracks, et cetera. At the same time they would be available to assist in repelling any attack that might be made upon Liberia. President Barclay need have no apprehensions concerning the conduct of American marines. They are one of the most highly disciplined bodies in the American armed forces and have had long experience in dealing with and living among peoples outside the United States.
- 4.
- The location of one or possibly two bases could probably be agreed upon in advance. With these exceptions we anticipate that it would be necessary to undertake surveys in order to determine suitable locations. From among such locations we would propose that sites for bases be arranged by mutual agreement.
- 5.
- If the United States should become a belligerent the status of Liberia would of course be a matter for the Liberian Government to determine. The steps contemplated by this Government will of course make it possible for Liberian independence and integrity to be preserved and this Government is confident that a satisfactory arrangement can be worked out which would give the United States full power to protect the bases selected and yet leave Liberia free to determine her own status in the light of what she considers to be her best interests.
As this whole matter is of great urgency please endeavor to see President Barclay at once and use the above arguments to obtain a definite request from him for the establishment of American bases. As soon as this request is received we shall telegraph further instructions.