882.51/1220: Telegram
The Minister in Liberia (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 22—12:42 a.m.]
97. Department’s 65, December 17, 7 p.m. Legation addressed note to Liberian Secretary of State containing views in the Department’s 57 November 17, 6 [4] p.m. Reply of Secretary of State attempts to justify procedure of Liberian Government in negotiating loan [Page 110] with Bank of British West Africa and should not prevent [compliance] with terms of Reform Program of 1917. Copy of reply of Secretary of State furnished Financial Adviser who was requested to make statement relative thereto. Statement of Financial Adviser points out discrepancies in arguments of Secretary of State. Copies of all above mentioned correspondence have been transmitted to Department with [Legation’s] covering despatch 137 dated December 1st, now en route.37 It therefore, seems advisable to suggest that no action be taken on instruction 65, December 17, 7 p.m. until after Department has received and examined despatch 137.