File No. 763.72/5188
The Minister in Liberia ( Curtis) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1.15 p.m.]
French Chargé d’Affaires has approached Liberian Government, British Consul General concurring, both acting pursuant to instructions by cable from their respective Governments, with a definite proposal that all Germans under 60 years of age be sent to France on board a French naval vessel, others to Germany via Holland or Scandinavian states; and Liberian Government has been advised in like manner of the accord of British and French Governments that safe-conduct be given former German Consul to Germany via Holland or Scandinavian states, with an inhibition against traversing French territory. Liberian Government answered yesterday to the effect that, as evidence of its sincerity in changing its proclaimed neutrality, it is willing to adopt said proposal with the full realization that such a step constitutes an act of war against Germany as soon as it is advised as to the attitude of the Governments of the United States of America, Great Britain, and France on the following points, whereon an expression from the said Governments is besought, to wit: First, that said Governments make no peace with Germany, jointly or severally, without including in the terms thereof provisions for the protection of Liberia against German aggressions after the war. Secondly, that upon the departure from Liberia of all German subjects, the restrictions placed upon Liberian commerce by the Government of Great Britain and its Allies be immediately removed and every facility afforded Liberia for the restoration and development of its commerce with them.
Nothing will be done in the premises by Liberia except upon the advice of the Government of the United States.