882.73/20: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia ( Bundy ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received February 5, 3.24 a.m.]
I have confidentially acquainted the President of Liberia with substance of Department’s January 20, 2 p.m.69 and January 23, 5 p.m. In reply he reiterated to me determination of the Liberian Government not to grant permission requested by French cable company to connect at Monrovia former German cable line from Pernambuco either to French or German station here. With reference to intimation in note from French Government relative to the probable necessity if Liberian Government’s attitude is not changed of isolating Monrovia by disconnecting cable and using same to connect Pernambuco cable to Konakry, President states that Liberian Government understands that a British cable operated by the Great Eastern Telegraph Company passes Liberian Coast few miles off Monrovia and Liberian Government is willing to open negotiations with this company if the Department thinks it is advisable for the purpose of bringing a branch cable into Monrovia in case French intimation is carried out. Liberian Government is reassembling German wireless plant here and expects to determine within the next few days whether it can be effectively used as a means of communication with outside world. If French company disconnects their line to Monrovia, thus leaving Monrovia without cable communication, then Liberian Government will consider this act a cessation of operations of this company and will insist upon application of the provision of the law granting its franchise which reads: “Whenever the company shall cease to operate, all lands which shall have been granted them shall revert to Government with their improvements free of any cost or charge whatever.”
Legation is of the opinion,
- 1.
- That French will take Pernambuco cable whether or not Liberian Government agrees for them to land it at Monrovia provided effective objection is not otherwise interposed.
- 2.
- At least three considerations will in all probability
deter French from actually disconnecting their cable to
Monrovia, namely,
- a.
- Loss of large and profitable business French cable company is doing at Monrovia.
- b.
- Loss of property and franchise by application of the law herein before cited if company ceases operations at Monrovia.
- c.
- Serious abridgment of French prestige in Liberia which would follow withdrawal of French cable from Monrovia.
- 3.
- That German wireless plant, if properly installed and operated, would afford ample facilities for present need of outside communication.
In case Liberia becomes solely dependent upon German wireless plant for outside communication, would Department recommend for appointment by Liberian Government technical expert who would supervise plant and staff?
President of Liberia asked me to ascertain whether it can be arranged through the good offices of the Department to keep Liberian Mission at Peace Conference fully informed of developments in this cable controversy.