882.20/620: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Hibbard) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 16—1:12 p.m.]
348. From McBride. In final conversation with Secretary Simpson this morning in company of Hibbard, he gave me a copy of a memorandum of his conference with German Consul today. Consul has requested Berlin to ask Vichy to send a French plane from the Ivory Coast for him and his staff to arrive here about October 25. Consul stated that he would much prefer to await this plane only other alternative being to go to Cape Palmas in American amphibian. He did not wish to travel in an enemy plane and in any event, due to his health, he could not cover the distance on foot from Cape Palmas to Abidjan. Simpson acquiesced in this plan and the Liberian Government has already granted request for French plane to come to Monrovia and Vichy Consul has so informed Vichy.
Will see President Barclay tonight and leave by Clipper October 17. [McBride.]