882.124a/113
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs (Marriner)
Sir Ronald Lindsay, the British Ambassador, called to inquire about the action of our Government in withdrawing Dr. Smith, who has been serving as Medical Adviser in Liberia. I handed him the original of the attached memorandum18 and told him that I had given similar memoranda to the French and German Counselors.
He said that his Government was most anxious to act in exact accord with us in the whole Liberian matter and that the Chargé there would evade the question of recognition of the new President19 until we should give the lead. I read him portions of some of the recent telegrams from there, indicating that the cooperation was close between Reber and Ford, and he said he felt that united public opinion would eventually bring the Liberians to demanding some form of foreign control which, since Liberia was a member of the League, might be exercised through that body. I told him that, of course, the American sphere of government could never be extended to Africa and that while we could cooperate in international endeavor, as we had done in the Slavery Commission, we could not assume the full responsibility so far away. He said he perfectly understood this and that no doubt the League would, in the first place, denounce Liberia severely, and if this had no effect, might feel impelled to recommend stronger action.