882.01 Foreign Control/742: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Werlich) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 5:11 p.m.]
97. Referring to Department’s telegram No. 62, Barclay is considering attempt to adjourn present session of the Legislature with assurances [Page 964] that special sessions will be called within 3 days of adjournment to consider League plan and 1934 budget. I question that he would call special sessions after the initial adjournment.
He has not submitted plan to Legislature. Only relevant action has been reports in person to each House by Grimes on his trips to London and Geneva. He has been confirmed as Chief Justice by the Senate voting 5 to 4.
There is dissension in the Senate and True Whig Party based on opposition to Grimes. Some political changes may result this week.
British Chargé d’Affaires tells me he has spoken to Grimes of British Government’s endorsement of the plan. French Chargé d’Affaires says he has taken no action lacking instructions from Paris; he has added that according young [to?] Grimes, the Liberian Chargé at Paris was called to French Foreign Office and told that French Chargé d’Affaires here would receive telegraphic instructions to notify Liberian Government of French endorsement of plan. German Consul has taken no action. It is obvious that European governments desire that onus of persuasion on Liberia for acceptance of plan fall on the United States.
If Department desires I can call on President of Liberia and express formally the surprise of the United States Government that he has not submitted plan to the Legislature for consideration. I question that it should be advisable that any action should be taken beyond this unless you wish to recreate before world the former feeling that the United States has a special maternal interest in Liberia. Please expedite reply to this paragraph.