882.00/613
The Chargé in Liberia (Bundy) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received July 16.]
Sir: I have the honor to make the following report for the information of the Department.
For more than two years past the native tribes in the region of Cape Palmas, Liberia, have been in more or less open rebellion against the Government. The reduced number of the Frontier Force, due to the adverse financial condition, and the lack of ammunition have made it necessary for the Liberian Government to temporize with the situation and have delayed the taking of such measures as would effectively restore peace, good order, and security among the native tribes inhabiting the country around Cape Palmas.
In January last matters grew worse and it is reported that the civilized population of Cape Palmas could not go one-half mile beyond the town limits without being fired on from ambush by the natives who had closed all roads leading to Cape Palmas.
On January 25th, last President Howard sent Major John H. Anderson, the American officer commanding the Liberian Frontier Force, to Cape Palmas with instructions to restore order. Major Anderson only had 126 soldiers and a very limited supply of ammunition for this work. By good strategy and by wisely disposing of the force at his command he was able completely to overcome the rebellious tribes.
There were two notable features of this expedition.
First he succeeded in gaining possession of arms and ammunition from the defeated tribes as follows; and also see enclosure No. 1.75
- 6,900 small arms, one-third were improved guns, all burned.
- 880 small arms, improved.
- 42 cannon, large and small.
- 1,900 rounds of ammunition.
- 78 revolvers of all kinds.
I am informed that among the small arms more than two dozen varieties were represented and at least 17 of these varieties were improved guns. The capture of this quantity of arms and ammunition by Major Anderson must be regarded as an accomplishment of [Page 529] great importance. The Liberian Government has tried from time to time since 1910 to subdue and disarm these tribes but until now has not been successful.
Second with the prisoners captured Major Anderson built 12 miles of road straight to the interior from Cape Palmas and he has that much more under construction. By means of this road it is expected that troops may be moved with such facility that in future it will be difficult for a native uprising to gain any headway in the immediate vicinity of Cape Palmas.
The work which Major Anderson has done ought to bring about peaceful conditions in the Cavalla river district and around Cape Palmas for a long time to come. But in order to secure the full benefit of this work and make its results permanent there should be an American officer of the Liberian Frontier Force in charge of all detachments of soldiers stationed in this section of the country. And likewise there should be an American interior commissioner with oversight of the native tribes in the same area. If this is not done after the lapse of a few months there will undoubtedly be trouble again in this region.
This opens the question of more American officers for the Frontier Force. Major Anderson is a much over-worked man and he should have at the earliest possible moment two American Captains to assist. The Liberian Government would be glad to appoint them to fill vacancies which have existed for more than two years. And as they are provided for under the old loan agreement it is thought that their designation would not in any way embarrass the Department although the negotiations at Paris relative to Liberia may not yet have been completed.
Perhaps the appointment of interior commissioners may have to await the termination of negotiations but it should not be delayed a moment longer than is absolutely necessary if internal disorders are to be prevented.
The Liberian Frontier Force under the command of American officers has captured from rebellious tribes in various portions of Liberia during the last four years about fifteen thousand guns nearly one-third of which were modern improved rifles. This of itself shows the urgent necessity of more effectively controlling the traffic in arms and ammunition, and this matter must claim the early attention of the American agents who may be sent to assist Liberia.
It is understood that Major Anderson has renewed his contract with the Liberian Government for another year. The President in a letter of cordial commendation which I have seen, dated May [Page 530] 28th, 1919, has taken occasion to express his appreciation of Major Anderson’s services in the following language: “I am more than well pleased with what you have done, you have my congratulations and thanks as well as the thanks of the Government and people. No complaints have reached us about you, rather nothing but praise from the Cape Palmas people. Do not concern yourself about complaints. Do your work. You have our Confidence”.
I have [etc.]
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