882.1561/8
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy (Knox)
My Dear Mr. Secretary: The Department recently suggested to the President, in view of his expressed interest in a proposal advanced by this Department for the construction of a port in Liberia, that it might be advisable to have an official survey made by the Navy Department of suitable port sites in that country for the purpose of determining the site which would best serve our naval purposes and the economic needs of Liberia. This suggestion was made because of the apparent absence of adequate data in Washington upon which to base a decision as to where the port should be located, engineering and other technical factors considered.
The Department was subsequently informed by the President that he had approved this suggestion and that the matter had been referred to the Navy Department.
It would be very much appreciated if you could advise me what action has been taken, or is contemplated, by the Navy Department in regard to the survey.
Sincerely yours,