740.0011 European War 1939/22594: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Hibbard) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 1—3:10 p.m.]
219. My telegram 211, June 25, 4 p.m. The following is the text of the joint resolution of the Liberian Legislature approving the agreement between the two Governments which was approved by the President yesterday and certified copy of which was sent me by the Secretary of State this morning:
“It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled:
Section 1. That from and immediately after the passage of this joint resolution, the agreement entered into between the Governments of the Republic of Liberia and the United States of America, dated March 31, 1942, which grants unto the latter the right to construct, control, operate and defend certain military and commercial airports within the Republic of Liberia, be and the same is hereby approved with the following amendments:
- (a)
- Article II of said agreement shall be construed to mean that the ‘exclusive jurisdiction granted the Government of the United States of America over any such airports and defense areas in Liberia and over the military and civilian personnel of the Government [Page 385] of the United States and their families’, shall not include American citizens and foreigners of non-American nationality not connected with said defense operations.
- (b)
- Construing article II further, it is understood that the Government of the United States of America will turn over to the Liberian authorities for trial and punishment any person, not under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Government of the United States of America (as defined in subsection (a) of this joint resolution) committing an offense in such defense areas.
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding.”
The amendments were made without consulting me and I have not been able to see the President to ask for an explanation. My impression is that the amendments are a result of popular resentment against Firestone and ADP personnel28 who have recently caused many complaints by reckless driving and other disregard of Liberian law, customs and sensibilities. The plantation manager has been able to settle most of these complaints but the unpleasantness remains even with the President and since Roberts Field and Firestone plantation are unfortunately so closely connected the Government is endeavoring to retain jurisdiction over those foreigners not actually engaged on the defense project.
The President has been unable to receive the past 4 days due to the press of business incident to the adjournment of the Legislature but I hope to see him tomorrow or next day. I will withhold delivery of the message contained in Department’s telegram No. 173, June 28 [27], 5 [7] p.m. until I hear whether these amendments are acceptable.
Please instruct.
- Presumably military personnel of the U. S. Armed Forces in Liberia.↩