882.51/2092: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Carter) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 26—9:15 a.m.]
52. Legation’s 48, April 10. King took occasion to call on me at my residence yesterday “to explain” financial situation. The Liberian Government is sending memorandum to the Fiscal Agents.63 In speaking to him I stated as a matter of personal opinion that Fiscal Agents would be reluctant to extend further credit without some assurance that the Liberian Government was making serious effort. King said that he was appointing a committee to prune the Government offices consisting of McCaskey, ex-President Howard and Colonel Boyle (formerly of the frontier force). I said that the sooner the committee could get to work the better effect would be produced in America. King appeared to appreciate my voluntary advice and said that the committee would be in operation on Monday.64
[Paraphrase.] While King may mean what he said, I doubt if he gets effective support from his Cabinet members. The financial situation continues just as serious as—perhaps more serious than—reported in my 48. Liberia’s only real safety, I fear, may lie in my suggestion of a temporary friendly intervention by the United States, but I do not feel justified to recommend it before the situation reaches a point at which the Liberian Government requests such intervention. [End paraphrase.]