Edward Thornton to Hamilton Fish, May 24, 1871

Sir Edward Thornton to Mr. Fish

Sir: In compliance with an instruction which I have received from Lord Granville, I have the honor to inform you that in consequence of some differences which are pending between Great Britain and the republic of Liberia, Her Majesty’s government made proposals for the adjustment of those differences, and for the settlement of the question of the limits of the north western boundaries of that republic.

Inclosed is a copy of a dispatch addressed by Lord Granville in October last to the President of Liberia, which conveys proposals for the mode of settlement of the above questions. You will perceive that in the event of any differences arising between the commissioners for settling the boundary question, it is proposed to submit the disputed points to the arbitration of a commissioner appointed by the Government of the United States. The Liberian government has since signified to Her Majesty’s government its acceptance of the proposals made by the latter, and I am consequently instructed to ask the Government of the United States if it will be good enough to depute an officer to attend the commissioners appointed by both parties to meet at Monrovia, and to act as arbitrator in case of any disagreement between them.

It will give Her Majesty’s government much pleasure if the Government of the United States will consent to accept the task of arbitrator in this question through one of its officers on whose impartial judgment it can rely, and whose expenses will, of course, be defrayed jointly by the British and Liberian governments. Copies of the necessary papers and maps will be eventually forwarded to Monrovia for the use of the commissioners, and Lord Granville would be glad to know, in case the Government of the United States should kindly accede to the request of that of Her Majesty, when the officer whom it may depute for this duty will be able to proceed there.

I have, &c.,