HC Deb 26 April 1909 vol 4 cc13-4
Mr. SMEATON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the frontier force raised and commanded by British officers in the Republic of Liberia for policing the frontier bad been recently disbanded; if so, could he make any statement as to the circumstances which led up to its disband- ment; and was it intended to re-establish the force?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The disbandment of the force was necessitated by the inability of the Liberian Government to keep it in regular pay, and the consequent discontent of the men composing it. It is stated that the Liberian Government are enrolling a small frontier police force under Liberian officers, but I am not otherwise aware of their intentions as regards the re-establishment of the force.

Mr. SMEATON

Is that force sufficiently strong to police the country?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am unable to say.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Was this force supplied or controlled by this Government, or was it a force of volunteers controlled entirely by the Liberian Government?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

It was not supplied by this Government, but there were British and European officers.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Was it under the control of this Government in any way?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Oh no.