882.5048/360: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Reber) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:20 p.m.]
162. Department’s 100 [103], November 17, 3 p.m. It is certain, from a conversation today with President King, that he has not received a copy of the memorandum of November 17 delivered by the Secretary to the Liberian Consul General. As Lyon’s funds are very limited, it is believed probable that he is forwarding his report and the memorandum by mail.
Since the President’s constant excuse for lack of progress is on the ground that the reform program is being blocked by the Legislature, it might be helpful to authorize me to hand a copy of the Secretary’s memorandum to President King. He tells me that the Legislature desires now to effect the reform program by separate enactments which cover each point rather than by resolution, as mentioned in my 158, November 15, 9 a.m. Further delay will thereby be caused.
I continue stressing the concern felt over the existing conditions found by the Commission, emphasizing the importance of sincere reforms and pointing out the President’s failure to inform the United [Page 375] States of the details of his improvement plan. President King intimated that he would like me to give him a written expression of these views. I responded that I considered my Government’s views had already been set forth by the note recently handed him by me and by the memorandum delivered to his representative in the United States. I made no other comment regarding the memorandum, but President King appeared to be surprised to hear of it.