876.00 TA/1–2551: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Liberia 1

confidential

112. Dept considers 20% to be set aside by LibGovt to be Libs fair share contribution toward overall technical and financial assistance programs. Interest payments on loans obtained to fin overall program wld be considered by US Govt as legitimate charge against Lib 20% fair share contribution. Ex-Im Bank Loan Agreement not appropriate document in which to spell out items which US Govt considers acceptable developmental expenditures.

Dept suggests Joint Comm make recommendations items which it considers legitimate credits against Lib 20%. Emb Desp 249, Jan 25,2 causes Dept concern because implication Joint Comm recommendations may be ignored or lightly brushed aside. While Dept appreciates Joint Comm role advisory unless otherwise specifically provided its views and recommendations shld carry great weight with both LibGovt and US Govt. You may assure Pres Tubman substantial majority Joint Comm recommendations crediting interest payments against Lib 20% will encounter no objection US Govt.3

In absence Amb (Embtel 150, Jan 224) Chargé d’Affaires will assume ex-officio role on Joint Comm. Dept understands Hill, Poindexter, Pinder, and Reeves [ Rives?] will serve as US Reps on Joint Comm. Dept approves these designations, and you authorized inform LibGovt accordingly.

Meier and Hill arriving Lib Feb 16.

Acheson
  1. This telegram was drafted by Sims (NEA/AF), was cleared by Meier (NEA/AF) and Gorlitz (ED), and was approved also by Cyr and Bourgerie (NEA/AF).
  2. Ante, p. 1285.
  3. Telegram 171, February 16, from Monrovia, reported that President Tubman was completely satisfied with the Department of State’s assurance regarding the 20 percent. (876.00–TA/2–1651)
  4. Not printed. In it the Embassy requested information regarding the American members of the Joint Commission envisaged in the December 22, 1950, U.S.-Liberian agreement on technical assistance. (876.00 TA/1–2251) Regarding the technical assistance agreements, see the editorial note, p. 1274.