740.0011 European War 1939/22920: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Hibbard) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 17—3:11 p.m.]
235. Department’s telegram No. 178, July 11, 10 p.m. I had a conference with President Barclay yesterday when I handed him a note embodying the War Department’s interpretation of the amendment to the agreement ratified June 29. His first reaction was that the last three words “whatever their nationality” was stretching the original agreement beyond his intention. I explained to him carefully the reasons for our desire to have such an interpretative exchange of notes regarding this amendment but he feels that all such contingencies are provided for in the very extensive emergency powers which were granted him by the Legislature for the duration of the war and 6 months thereafter. He has promised me an answer shortly.
I am sending in a separate telegram the Act granting him emergency powers.