882.63A/14a: Telegram

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

128. At the request of President Barclay, arrangements are being made to detail Walter II. Newhouse, Thomas P. Thayer, and Arthur P. Butler of the United States Geological Survey to Liberia under the provisions of the Act of May 3, 1939 (Public No. 63,76th Congress) to make a survey of Liberian iron ore deposits.

President Barclay and Consul General Walker have indicated that the Liberian Government will provide the necessary laborers, means of transportation within Liberia, and arrange for suitable quarters in the field. Inasmuch as the experts expect to leave Washington early in December, you are requested to contact the appropriate officials at once with a view to having arrangements for these facilities worked out in advance of the arrival of the mission. The Liberian Government has not as yet specified the areas in which it is desired that the experts begin their studies, but since the Bomi Hills region appears to be the most promising, you should suggest to the appropriate authorities that they first make arrangements for food and shelter in that area.

The experts will probably wish to remain in Monrovia for about a week before proceeding to the interior, and you are also requested to endeavor to obtain quarters for them there.

Further instructions follow by air mail.

Hull