File No. 882.00/519.
The Acting Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State.
Washington, December 8, 1915.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of November 29, in which you request that the U. S. S. Chester be permitted to remain in Liberian waters until the disturbances subside, and the lives of foreigners in the Republic are no longer in danger.
The commanding officer of the Chester has informed the Department that he is of the opinion that the retention of the Chester in Liberian waters until January 1, 1916, is desirable, and it is the [Page 633] intention of the Department to keep that vessel on her present duty until that date, unless unforeseen conditions should require a change in the plans.