Office of the Historian

882.5048/78: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase—Extracts]
Berne, September 14, 1929—noon.
[Received 12:09 p.m.]

81. Department’s 105, September 11, 3 p.m.

(1)
I have handed Sir Eric Drummond a copy of the terms of reference, reported by the Chargé in Liberia, to be kept confidential pending receipt of the same from the Liberian representative to the League.
(2)
The latter has not yet asked the League to nominate a member for the Commission. The Liberian representative, named Sottile, who formerly represented Nicaragua, on September 6 mentioned a possible investigation of conditions in Liberia, and on September 13 he stated in the 6th Commission that his Government was ready to receive an International Inquiry Commission, to be composed of a Liberian, an American, and a member appointed by the League.

. . . . . . .

(4)
I discussed with Drummond very informally the sort of person who might be nominated. … While he was grateful for our suggestions, he reiterated the request he made (see my 61, August 17, [Page 310] 6 [3] p.m.) that he be given as soon as possible an intimation of the kind of man the Department expects to nominate, in order that the League may choose someone of like authority and complementary attributes.

The Secretary General, it may be safely assumed, is quite aware of the advisability for cooperation with the United States in this matter and will do his best to make the investigation entirely successful.

Wilson