811.79682/27: Telegram

The Minister in Liberia (Walton) to the Secretary of State

108. Seybold called today following talk with British Chargé d’Affaires regarding question of British utilization of Firestone airport as emergency landing field for British military aircraft. Seybold declines to take up matter with President Barclay as had been suggested, asserting that this is the duty of the British Government. I knew nothing of this matter until today.

It is highly probable that an embarrassing situation would arise [if] Britain pressed its request. I am aware of Liberia’s pronounced opposition to British planes landing in Liberia. Moreover, Liberia’s neutrality would be involved.

Walton