882.51/2098: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Carter) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 16—10 a.m.]
66. My 65, May 12, noon, last sentence of paragraph (b). After consulting McCaskey and Ross, I am inclined to consider the Fiscal Agents mistaken in failing to forward the loan money on April 1. They had made a clear agreement to forward the said sum, and, although I appreciate their unwillingness to risk more good money, especially in view of the violations at present of the loan agreement, I do believe that their failure may be made the basis for a charge that they have endeavored purposely to embarrass Liberian finances now and in the approaching crisis. The withholding of this loan money (all of it earmarked) will result in the cessation of the present sanitary work69 (except for the contribution by the Advisory Commission) and of the Booker T. Washington Institute and in the suspension of road and bridge construction, which, among other things, will cut off the Firestone Plantations from direct communication with this Capital during the rains just now setting in. Withholding |this sum is not having any effect upon the Liberian Government’s financial policy, since the sum will in no case be available for salary purposes. I suggest that the sum be at once made available to the Liberian Government for the completion of essential road and bridge construction and for the continuation of the sanitary and educational projects mentioned.