882.51/10–2445: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia ( Walton ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 25—9:32 a.m.]
418. Secretary of State Dennis in a formal note under date of October 23 advises that President Tubman has formulated a 5-year program for Liberia’s development predicated largely upon suggestions in memorandum of conversation between Acting Secretary [of] State Grew and Vice President Simpson of July 4 and that Liberian Govt is sending to Washington in near future William Dennis Secretary of Treasury and H. Lafayette Harmon Counselor at Law to discuss and reach agreement with appropriate authorities “for effective putting into execution the proposed plan”.
On October 20, Tubman conferred with Simpson, former Presidents Barclay and King and also James Cooper13 concerning 5-year plan which envisages borrowing of 25 million dollars from Import-Export Bank for 50 years. Only person who gave full endorsement was Cooper who opposed Tubman for President in 1943 elections. King thought plan should be carried out section by section only, Barclay wanted more time to give careful study; Simpson desired definite information about terms if loan was made.
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Prominent Liberians have confidentially expressed hope that Dept will discourage negotiation of so large a loan which is not thought necessary or practical.
- Democratic Party candidate for the Presidency of Liberia in 1943.↩