882.5048/325: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Reber) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—3:35 p.m.]
152. In his message to Congress today President King made reference [to] the text of his note of September 3040a and the Department’s reply40b stating that he would lay before the Legislature the text of the Commission’s report and the details of this program of reform. He reviewed the work of the International Commission, adding that he felt that it had gone beyond the terms of reference in some of the suggestions and in certain instances had been influenced by his opponents. He mentioned the two proclamations already issued [Page 365] prohibiting slavery and shipment of recruited labor as evidence of his intention to reform conditions and announced that, in order to abolish forced labor for public works, contracts hereafter would be assigned to private construction companies.
He bitterly criticised the opposition for its destructive attitude during “this critical period” emphasizing the need for orderly and constitutional government in order that Liberia might retain its place among sovereign states and declared unfounded all rumors that a mandate had been proposed stating that his representatives in Europe had made inquiry of the governments interested and they had denied any such intentions.
The attitude of many present was not sympathetic but it appears to be felt that the message which at least promises reform answers in part charges of the Opposition and may strengthen the President’s position.