882.51/1159: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia ( Bundy ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 7—10:04 a.m.]
53. After several unsuccessful efforts President King has finally succeeded in having both branches of the Legislature pass resolution requesting him to place before them his modified draft of the financial plan as proposed by the Department. There is a distinct drift of sentiment in Legislature away from proposal of ex-President [Howard] and Vice President [Ross] to adopt Department’s plan with mild modifications towards adopting plan as altered by President King. Substance of these alterations reported in Legations 48, July 23, 2 p.m. Unless you so advise [that] Legation is authorized at once to make [strong statement] to the President definitely expressing Department’s disapproval of his proposed alterations in financial plan, he is almost certain to influence successfully Legislature to adopt his modified plan. While such statement probably would have very little effect upon President himself, Legation believes that it would have considerable weight with members of Legislature. If Department cannot authorize statement suggested in Legation’s 48, July 23, 2 p.m., please cable immediately what Department thinks Legation should say to President King under the circumstances. [This matter is most urgent.]