882.7962/60: Telegram
The Chargé in Liberia (Wharton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:23 p.m.]
68. From McBride. Legation’s 54, March 3, 9 a.m. last paragraph. Following is draft of confidential letter to President Barclay which I would suggest be handed to him upon signing of agreement.
“Referring to article V of the agreement between the Governments of Liberia and the United States regarding the use of airports and defense areas in Liberia, I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that the specific defense aids which the Government of the United States undertakes to extend to the Government of Liberia are as follows:
- 1.
- The road building machinery and equipment which has been used in the construction of the airport at Roberts Field and access roads as soon as this work has been completed;
- 2.
- Adequate protection by American forces of the airports and such other defense areas as may be established under the agreement;
- 3.
- Assistance through the United States War Department in organizing and training a Liberian military force of two to three thousand men by supplying, at American expense, qualified personnel for such purposes;
- 4.
- A supply of small arms and ammunition to be given by the United States for a Liberian force of two to three thousand men;
- 5.
- The extension of a credit in the sum of $1,000,000 from Lend-Lease or other United States funds for the purpose of assisting in the road construction and defense program of Liberia.
In this connection it is understood that the military use of the airports at Roberts Field and Fisherman Lake during the life of the agreement, shall not affect the rights already granted to Pan American Airways Company in the concession and lease extended to that company, for the operation of its commercial air services.”
It will be appreciated if Department’s comment on the agreement and the above draft will be sent as soon as possible. [McBride.]