File No. 882.51/518.
The American Ambassador to Germany to the Secretary of State.
Berlin, February 10, 1913.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany feels obliged to insist upon a prompt settlement of the claims of German merchants against Liberia and suggests that thirty per cent of the customs receipts [Page 672] be set aside for the payment of the claims after the commission has rendered its awards. Upon my request this amount may be reduced by one third. I am assured that there is no prejudice against the appointment of an American on the claims commission, provided he has no affiliations with the Liberian Government.