882.5048/26: Telegram

The Minister in Liberia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State

17. Referring to Department’s telegram of June 5, 5 [6] p.m. Note delivered to Secretary of State, June 10, 11 a.m.,6 who said:

“This is an old story. The Department does not say if the charges are true but assumes that they are true. They are serious and we will investigate but there being no specific instance charged investigation may be difficult”.

Apparent that intention is to treat matter as a recurrence of the old charges of slavery against Liberia. He referred to the charge of slavery made by League of Nations. It is anticipated that his note in reply to mine will be a general denial and only touch lightly on shipments to Fernando Po, in effect that only those who volunteer are sent.

Francis
  1. Note dated June 8, 1929.