882.5048/329: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Reber) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:42 p.m.]
153. Department’s telegram No. 97. The note was delivered to the Liberian Secretary of State and a copy handed President King this morning.
The President appeared much disturbed over its contents and stated that not only had he already given assurances to the United States Government of his desire to effect reforms, but had also submitted the program to the Legislature for approval. I repeated to him my telegraphic instructions and emphasized that concrete results would appear the best evidence of the sincerity of the Liberian Government. He asked that the United States Government again be informed of his desire to do all within his power to improve the conditions described in the report and to restore the prestige of his Government, but implied that he would meet with opposition of many factions in the Legislature and might not be able to put into effect all suggested reforms. I again stressed the Department’s views regarding the necessity for positive action and enforcement of [Page 367] reform measures, expressing the hope that I should shortly be able to inform the Department of progress already made.
He promised that within a few days he would inform me of what actions had been taken and of further details of the program to be followed. I added that, in view of the forthcoming publication of the report when public opinion would be formulated, it seemed important to me that this information be in the hands of the United States Government before that time. In this he concurred.
[Paraphrase.] President King may be trying to make use of the expressed opposition of some Government members as well as of his opponents to appointing white commissioners and to removing hinterland restrictions as an excuse for any failure or unwillingness in carrying out all the reforms. However, evidence that he is sincere or able to carry out the reform program should be manifested shortly in the action taken as a result of the note from the Department. [End paraphrase.]