DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
DATE: October 12, 1950
SUBJECT: Visit of Liberian Commission
PARTICIPANTS: His Excellency Gabriel L. Dennis, Secretary of State of Liberia. The Honorable D. C. S. King, Liberian Ambassador. The Honorable C. Abayomi Cessell, Attorney General of Liberia. Mr. Charles S. Sherman, Liberian Government Economist.
COPIES TO: The Secretary Mr. Sims - AF S/S Mr. McGhee - MEA Mr. O'Gara - E Ambassador Waynick - TCB Mr. Berry - NEA Mr. Gaston - Export-Import Bank American Embassy - Monrovia
The Liberian Commission, headed by Secretary of State Dennis, called on me this morning to discuss the Liberian Government's request for: 1) Financial assistance from the Export-Import Bank for utility-type projects; 2) Technical assistance under the Point Four program; and 3) Military assistance to help organize a proper force for internal security in Liberia.
I recalled two previous meetings with Mr. Dennis at Hot Springs and Atlantic City, and assured him that he and his fellow countrymen were welcome and that we were happy to have them visit the Department. I explained that we were fully aware of Liberia's needs in the fields of economic development and also her need for military guidance in organizing and training a force for internal security.
Mr. Dennis said that his Government, in collaboration with the United States Economic and Public Health Missions to Liberia, had devoted careful attention to the loan applications which have been presented to the Export- Import Bank. He expressed the opinion that these applications, covering roads, a hydroelectric project and water and sewage systems for the City of Monrovia, reflect a very sound approach to Liberia's need to forge ahead economically in order not to fall too far behind the progress which is developing in the French and British territories neighboring Liberia. He pointed out that these territories are recipients of ECA aid for which Liberia does not qualify. He dwelt at some length on Liberia's present military weakness and its need to develop a proper military force in order - 2 -
to provide the Liberian people with some measure of internal security as well as to protect the large American investments within the country.
I assured Mr. Dennis that we earnestly hope something can be accomplished to assist Liberia economically and militarily. I explained that we looked upon Liberia as a pilot country where we can prove the worthiness of our Point Four Technical Assistance Program. As the Liberians and we already know, the United States Economic and Public Health Missions in Liberia have proven beyond any reasonable doubt the value of technical assistance in the fields of basic development in Liberia. I pointed out that under the Point Four Technical Assistance Program; we propose to increase substantially the amount which we have been spending on our Economic and Public Health Missions in Liberia.
Mr. Cassell referred to the close friendly ties between the United States and Liberia, and said that Liberia had always remained by our side whether in war or in peace. He said that as a result of our long, friendly relationship dating from 1822 when we provided funds to establish Liberia, a moral obligation rests upon the United States to give Liberia a helping hand. Mr. Cassell remarked that he was not unmindful that we have in the past assisted his Government in several important respects, and for this the Liberian people are duly grateful; but, Liberia's request today for financial and military assistance is based upon the wholehearted desire of the Liberian people to move ahead progressively in harmony with other territories. He said that while Liberia has maintained a democratic form of Government, modeled exactly after our own, for more than one hundred years, it had not been able to undertake basic developments which are necessary for proper economic expansion. He explained that Liberia has never been favorably disposed to seek loans. However, Liberia's record in discharging its obligations toward these loans which it has received in the past is a good one, and one which the Liberian people regard with pride.
Mr. Sherman described some of the economic benefits which his Government believes will accrue to Liberia by providing the facilities requested in the loan applications now before the Export-Import Bank. He, too, emphasized Liberia's reluctance to burden itself with heavy loans which the Government might not be able to service or liquidate. He expressed the thought that the amount under consideration, which totals about ten million dollars, is not beyond Liberia's capacity to handle if spread out over a period of years.
In conclusion, I assured the Liberian Commission that we would devote careful and sympathetic consideration to the Liberian Government's request for financial and military assistance.
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