882.72/3: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Bundy) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:47 p.m.]
65. In compliance with Department’s cable instruction 34, dated July 22nd, 6 p.m. strong verbal representations have been made to President of Liberia. In reply he reaffirmed position already taken on the matter of granting concessions as communicated by the Liberian Government in its note to the Legation dated January 19th, 1920, copy of which was transmitted to the Department as enclosure number 2 with Legation’s despatch number 40, dated February 14th, 1920.51 With particular reference to concession granted French Cable Company to construct and operate telegraph line connecting Liberian towns, he stated that as this concession had been granted to a foreign company in a legal and constitutional manner he did not see that there were any steps Liberian Government could take to cancel or nullify it. He added however, apparently to lessen unfavorable impression his attitude might make, that he would be willing to consider suggestions from the Department. Incidentally he further stated that he had not agreed, and intimated he never would agree, to Department’s interpretation of the act of August 7th, 1917, that no action by Legislature should be taken on application for concessions or amendments thereof until the favorable report thereon of the Financial Adviser had been received. Financial Adviser informs me that he was present at a conference between President King and Secretary Phillips last fall when former stated that it would be policy of his administration to adhere to Department’s interpretation of the act of August 7th, 1917. Please see Department’s mailed instruction to Legation number 55 of October 23rd, 191952 for interpretation above referred to.