882.5048/26: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Liberia ( Francis )
9. In reply to your No. 17, June 11, 10 a.m. You will formally present the following note to the Liberian Government.
“The Government of the United States is gratified to learn that its friendly offices in bringing the attention of the Liberian Government to the repeated statements of the existence of slavery and forced labor in Liberia has been met by the offer to make an investigation of the conditions complained of.
In view of the world interest in this question, the Liberian Government will no doubt in the exercise of its sovereign rights desire to appoint an investigation committee with full powers to determine the truth or falsity of the accusations which have received such wide credence as no longer to be ignored. Inasmuch as the prestige of the country will depend upon the approval of the world of any committee of investigation that may be appointed, the Liberian Government will doubtlessly desire to appoint an impartial committee made up of Liberians and non-nationals of Liberia; such action will redound to the prestige of Liberia and be a signal proof to other nations concerned in the suppression of slavery and forced labor that Liberia is determined to eradicate these evils for all time. With such a committee of investigation the Government of the United States will be glad to cooperate through its Minister to Liberia. The Government of the United States await with interest information from the Liberian Government as to what measures are to be taken in making the investigation, the names of members of any committee that may be appointed and the general scope of its work. It is needless to add that the Government of the United States is actuated by the friendliest feelings and by the earnest desire that Liberia may have an opportunity of demonstrating to the world that it is living up to the high principles that animated the founders of the Republic.”