882.20/603: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Hibbard) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 28—1:18 p.m.]
243. A British naval lieutenant from Freetown called on Colonel Wood59 yesterday to ask when the barracks, mess hall and equipment [Page 412] and other installations would be ready for 3 officers and 15 men which the British wish to send to Cape Palmas for radio work in protecting the coast. I asked Colonel Wood to tell him that so far the United States had no defense at Cape Palmas included in the agreement between the two Governments and that consequently no installation of any kind was contemplated there at present. He was much surprised as he felt from his instructions that the entire matter had been arranged in Washington. If the War Department wishes a defense area at Cape Palmas I am sure the President will grant permission as soon as he has been informed of the location desired. He will not, however, permit the British to install a radio station there until we have taken over the area.
- Commanding Officer, United States Forces in Liberia.↩