882.124a/92: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Liberia (Reber)
69. Your telegrams 101, August 8, 11 a.m.,96 and 103, August 20, 11 a.m. Your comments and recommendations are desired concerning any steps this Government properly might take in order to bring about the Liberian Government’s compliance with the terms of the memorandum agreement of last year. It is understood, from the reports of Dr. Smith to the Public Health Service and from the Legation’s communications, such as despatch No. 79, July 22,96 that in general the Liberian people are indifferent to the sanitary campaign, while their Government is hostile. It is not understood, therefore, why the Liberian administration might be induced by a threatened withdrawal of Dr. Smith to modify its attitude. Your comment is also desired in regard to the last paragraph of the note dated July 15 from the Liberian Secretary of State to the Chargé. Has the Liberian Government, in your opinion, any other “competent man” in view?
[Page 422]In the opinion of the Department, it is of the utmost importance that the sanitary campaign be renewed; also the Department does not wish Liberia to be left, if this can be avoided, without a Sanitary Adviser.