882.5048/33: Telegram

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

12. Your 20, June 20, 3 p.m. Your 18, June 13, 9 p.m. was delayed in transmission and was not received here until June 20. The Department approves your withholding action on its 9, June 15, 2 p.m. and in view of your 18, June 13, now desires that you present the following note to the Liberian Government in reply to its note to you of June 13 [11].

“I have the honor to advise you that I have received instructions from the Secretary of State to inform you that he has examined with attentive and sympathetic care the contents of your note of June 13 [11] and to state that the Government of the United States is gratified to learn that its friendly offices in bringing to the attention of the Liberian Government the repeated statements as to the existence of slavery and forced labor in Liberia have been met by an offer on the part of your Government to have this question investigated on the spot by a competent, impartial and unprejudiced commission.

In view of this proposal made in the Liberian note of June 13 [11], it is assumed that the Liberian Government will no doubt desire to proceed forthwith to set up a commission with full powers to investigate the situation. In view of the world interest in questions of slavery [Page 284] and forced labor and considering the wide credence which has been given to the reports in question the Liberian Government will undoubtedly appreciate the importance of appointing a commission of a character that 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 do its part in eradicating these evils for all time. It has been suggested that to that end such a commission might appropriately be composed of one Liberian member, one American member and one European member representative of general international interest in this question. Should this suggestion accord with the views of the Liberian Government the Government of the United States will be glad upon the request of the Liberian Government to assist in naming an American member of suitable qualifications and thereafter to cooperate with the commission in every appropriate manner.

The Government of the United States will await with interest the statement of the Liberian Government as to the procedure it proposes to adopt in the premises.

In concluding I am instructed to state that the Government of the United States is actuated by the friendliest feelings and by the earnest desire that Liberia may take this opportunity of demonstrating to the world its devotion to the high principles which animated the founders of the Republic.”

[Paraphrase.] It is the feeling of the Department that, despite possible obstructionist tactics by the Liberian member, the Liberian Government should directly take part in the commission’s investigations, committing itself thus to the commission’s findings. [End paraphrase.]

In the selection of a Liberian member it would seem desirable that if possible a man be chosen of recognized standing who has no direct connection with the Government. In naming an American member this Government would be disposed to recommend a man of the type of Emmett Scott. As to the third member it is thought that the League of Nations could be of assistance in finding a suitable nominee.

You are authorized at your discretion to discuss the suggestions contained in the foregoing paragraph with Secretary Barclay and President King verbally and in strict confidence.

Please report developments by cable.

Stimson