882.5048/52: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia ( Wharton ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 24—4:54 p.m.]
Supplementing my telegram of July 24, noon.
Reference paragraph (d) of terms of reference: The Liberian Government apparently does not care to have an investigation of the conditions of compulsory labor on the roads and for other public purposes.
Reference paragraph (e) of the same: My understanding is that the laborers now being sent to Fernando Po come under a special agreement with the Spanish, and I suggest that the terms of reference cover all labor consignments exported to the Congo and elsewhere.
Reference paragraph (g): This should include, if possible, specifically “government officials”.
Reference paragraph 2: The last sentence of section 2 of the law (copy attached to the note) reads thus: “They shall also have authority to punish for contempt, the penalty of which shall be imprisonment not exceeding seven days.” I feel this law has no teeth and leaves the Commission powerless. I suggest, further, that the Commission [Page 291] be empowered to issue subpoenas duces tecum and to compel witnesses to bring government records, etc.
Reference paragraph 4: Two months hardly suffice for the, investigation, and I suggest either no time limit or more than two months.
According to reliable information, Vice President Yancy on July 19 radioed his agent at Cape Palmas that he had seen President King and that it was all right to ship the laborers, believed to number 200, at ten pounds sterling each, to be sent to the Congo. Apparently this was to be a final haul in spite of the pending representations.