New-York tribune., 1909-05-18
FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF LIBERIA.
The Understanding Between Great Britain
and the United States
he London Times. Nav

From The London Times. May s.
The Liberian State Department has made public
certain correspondence which has passed between
the British and American governments in regard TO
to March iSa7. and contains an exchange of views
between the British Ambas sssdor I'm Washington
interest taken nv both countries in the indepen-
dence Of the Liherian. Repuhlic .,,o.
views between Nj Whiteaw Reid. the American
Ambassador in London, and Sir Edward Grey. The
correspondence follows,
American Embassy. London. June %. 1905.
commissioners of Liberia now in Washington a
diplomatic mission. as vel as IN view OF the old old
that of the United States about their special inter
ara instructed to say that the government of the
the welfare Of Liberia arising from the circum-
stances under which the settlement Of the country
made and is very desirous now TO be OF as
Recalling the agreement referred to Cmade on
the initiative Of hls majestys government March
should he glad have your views rs to how the
en- time toward promoting the welfare Of Liberia
''S: "(signedi wHITELAw REID,
The Right Hon, Sir Edward Grey. Bart" art ZOO.
Your EXcellency: ! have the honor TO aCkuow-
ledge the receipt Of your excelencys note Of June
% last. in which after calling attention to the spe-
Cial interest felt by your eXCelenCY'S government
in maintaining the independence Of the Liberian
tween the British and United States governments
in March 1897. yOu request the views Of his
which the government OF the United states could
at the present time cooperate with his majesty s
Liberia.
by the government Of the United states is fuily
shared by his ma jesty's government who. At the
have lent TO them the services Of certain officials
to assist in reorganiZing their customs and taelr
been ntrusted with the reorga nization Of the Gus
toms, has already been able to increase consider
administration and has succeeded. IL is hoped. by
his methods in Introducing a more healthy tone
been appointed by tlte Liberian government to be
their financial adviser, and there is reason TO hope
that his advice may lead 10 an Improvement IN the
administration Of that department
the United states charge d'Anaires, his majesty 3
called upon to take in Liberia no designs "haieEer
the Independence or integrity OF the country
qs re havs Faer len1 TO the Iiberians SOLELY with
view 10 the better presentation Of order. more
particularly that part of Liberia which marches
with sierra Leone and improved administration.
The French government also. as your exceIlency
doubtless aware, takes special interest IN the
ment have already assured them that they would
have no objection to the services OF some French
British officials It is doubtful. therefore. whether
operation OF the United States government in the.
customs or police. and il they desire 10 render
NJ. WI, ptpIae of The a3r9inistration which are IS
urgently in need Of reform.
3-Tbat reforms are required IN one other branch
AT least his ma ieetv's government haze reason to
naiesty's government experience in regard TO Ii
IBERIA are the frequent complaints received from
British subjects as the treatment they receive in
Inc Tiberian courts therefore the United States
could sec their wav to introducing reforms into the
judiciary. either by lending the services of an Off
cisl TO act as judicial adviser or in some other
manner. much good would In the opinion Of his
ma jestys government be derived not only by the
various subjects Of foreign nationalites resident in
the country. but also by the Liberlans ihemseiyes
Willie calling attention NOR" specially 10 this
one branch Of tho administration which has been a
frequent source Of trouble, need hardly add that
his rnaiestv's government would welcome the CO.
opera fiou Of the government OF the United States
with them in Liberia in any other manner which
NAV zDrear suitable more deSiTa bic
consideration Of al the circumstances.
To his maleSty's government that the
main risk to the people OF Liberia arises from the
incficienc. Of LibeTian adminstra ton Of their own
affairs especially in matters of finance, and any
suggestion which the United States might At
10 give them t. follow the advice of such foreign
ers as they have themselves engaged to help in
their administration WOULD nave beneficial effect
i have the honor to be, etc.
"(Signedj z. GREY.
His ExCeIencv the Hon. Whteiaw Reid
third Of documents consists Of memo
randum from Mi Root to President Roosevelt
dated January Is, 1902 and OF Mr.. Roosevelts
message to the American Senate and House OF
REPRESENTATIVE asking Congress 20 grant the APP
r1ropriation Of 100000 TO pay the expenses of a
commission inquire into LibeTian affairs This
I commission sailed