882.20/619: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Hibbard) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 15—9:33 a.m.]
346. From McBride.1 In discussions on October 8 with Lord Swinton,2 Mr. Makins3 and General Giffard4 I was requested to take up several matters on my return to Washington. Swinton is coordinating various British efforts in West and Central Africa and is successfully straightening out many difficulties and delays in the war effort.
He feels that time has now arrived to consider closer coordination with various American activities in this area. Through General Fitzgerald5 he can cover military questions, but he would welcome an American commissioner or special representative with headquarters at Accra with whom he could consult frequently on economic and political questions, shipping matters, strategic services, purchase of essential raw materials, and other similar activities connected with the joint war effort. Swinton’s activities are not only in British colonies, but extend all the way from Senegal to Angola.
Hibbard, who has conferred with Swinton and is close friend of Makins, and who has already broached this general idea, would be an excellent choice for such a position. I think he is better informed than any other available officer on African problems and time is too precious to permit sending someone not already familiar with and experienced in this area.
Whoever is chosen, should first proceed to Accra to talk further with Swinton, then to London for observation as to British methods and ideas, then to Washington for final instructions.
[Page 38]Other interested departments in Washington would have to cooperate in building up a suitable staff at Accra to cover the various activities and any American agents or officers other than military sent to this area should report to the Accra office and operate under its general guidance.
I will be glad to confer on this matter upon return, but meanwhile perhaps Department would care to explore the possibilities. I think, if Department feels some such plan is desirable, it should be initiated within next 2 months. [McBride.]
- Harry A. McBride, Special Representative of the President in Liberia.↩
- British Minister Resident in West Africa.↩
- Roger Makins, British Foreign Office official serving for the British Treasury with the British Minister Resident in West Africa.↩
- Gen. Sir George James Giffard, British General Officer, Commander in Chief in West Africa.↩
- Brig. Gen. S. W. Fitzgerald, Commanding General, United States Armed Forces in Central Africa.↩