882.24/47: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Hibbard) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:53 p.m.]
401. Department’s telegram 308, November 30, 8 p.m.43 and my telegram 392, November 25, 8 p.m. [a.m.] In connection with the release to the press yesterday44 of the official announcement of the agreement between the United States and Liberia regarding defense, the Secretary of State made the following statement:
“The Government of the Republic of Liberia announce that as the result of negotiations which have taken place between the Governments [Page 403] of the United States of America and the Republic of Liberia, the latter Government has decided on a policy of full collaboration with the United Nations during existing hostilities and to that end it has granted the Government of the United States of America permission to establish defense bases in Liberia.”
When asked by reporters if this meant Liberia had declared war on Germany, he replied that while the statement did not say so in so many words, that was the import.
He has informed me that Liberia will officially break off relations with Vichy France today.
Could I have the text of any informal statement made by the President or the Secretary at the time of the press release? In view of this declaration of Liberia’s policy of “full collaboration with the United Nations” will any further statements be made? A personal message from President Roosevelt to Barclay would be useful here and I should think effective politically at home.