The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-07-08
us. GETS CHANCE
TO SPLIT ENGLISH
REIGN IN LIBERIA
Americas Influence In Black
Republic Hinges Upon Action
on Requested Loan.
By HARRY l.. ROGERS,
Information News Service.

International news SeFvsces
The state Department having made
it's recommendations. the application
of Liberia for a s5,000.0O0 loan is now
before Congress for final decision
whether the United States Is TO con-
tinue as the dominant foreign influ-
ence in the African republic or is to
resign that place to Great Britain
probably depends upon the attitude
taken by Congress.
BRITISH CREDIT READY.
Reports here Indicate that British
interests. which now practically con-
troll industry in Liberia, are ready to
advance credits. and there Is also
some Indication that French capital
lists would welcome an opportunity to
come to the assistance of the black
republic
Despite the fact that Liberia Is per-
haps richest In natural resources OF
all the countries on the west coas
Of Africa, the Liberian government ID
practically bankrupt and must nave
further outside assistance in the I'm :
mediate future. As far back as 1871
the little republic was forced TO seek
foreign loans, and IL was British capi-
tai which responded.
Conditions had become so unfaSor-
able in 1908 that in response to an IN
vitation from Liberia an American
commi ssion was sent to investigate
the conclusions Of the commission re-
sulting in a new loan agreement I'M
der which an international receiver
ship was formed. with the general re-
ownership reserved to the United states,
with Great Britain, France, and Ger
many participating.
BRITISH IN CONTROL.
After Liberia entered the war the
German receiver was expelled the
German cable and radio stations, as
we'll as German private property, be-
ing left in the hands of the Amer
lean receiver general as alien prop
erty custodian. During the war the
economic condition OF the black re-
public became very acute. The peo-
pie were on the verge OF starvation
and the Government was forced to
enter into an agreement for loan
from the Bank of British West AZ
RIGA. Limited, an English concern
which practically controls the bank
ing situation in Liberia just as the
Elder Dempster Company, a. British
steamship line, practically controls
the transportation facilities OF the
republic.
u. s. DISPOSED FAvORABLY.
Early in 1918 Liberia made an ap'
peal TO the Secretary OF the Treasury
of the United States for a loan OF
81, 600, 900 A commission headed BY
Charles Dunbar Burgess King. presi-
dent of Liberia. came to Washington
recently to negotiate the loan. On
April is President King was received
by President Harding, and from time
to time members OF the commissioa
have been in conference with officials
of the Treasury and State Depart,
ments-
While there has been no official an
nouncement as to the recomm enda
ton made by Secretary Hughes on
the ACCESSIBILITY of the loan. the ira
ditional policy of the United states
toward Liberia would suggest favora'
BILE consideration. The original colony
on the west coast OF Africa was
founded under the auspices of Presi-
dent Monroe, and in 1899 the United
states interviewed when the little
colony entered into a customs dispute
with the British colony of Sierra
Leone
Defining the American attitude
toward Liberia Daniel Webster sai''
in 1913: without having passed laws
for recognition, the United states
takes a deep interest In the weifar'
Of the people Of Liberia and Is dis
posed to extend a full degree OF
countenance and protection"