Exclusive Documents from Firestone and the Warlord
For the first time, a collection of diplomatic cables, court documents and company files pertaining to Firestone's dealings with Liberian warlord Charles Taylor.
Memorandum of Understanding
This MOU is an agreement between Firestone and Taylor’s rebel government. The company agrees to meet its financial obligations to the Taylor government and he will provide protection. See original document.
-
By the Book
Diplomats in Washington, D.C., were warning Firestone and other companies about the dangers of operating in “Taylorland”—a term for the territory he controlled in Liberia. See original document.
-
Encouragement
The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia was encouraging Firestone executives to find a way to reach accomodation with Charles Taylor. See original document.
-
The Price to Pay
In this State Dept. cable, U.S. Embassy officials note that Firestone has diverted rice to Charles Taylor's army, the NPFL, or National Patriotic Front of Liberia. See original document.
-
Our Choices Were Stark
Letter from John Schremp to Liberia's interim government explaining Firestone’s reasons for cooperating with Charles Taylor’s rebel government.See original document.
-
Tens of Millions on Plantation
This memo shows that the company spent $35.3 million on its plantation in Liberia from 1990 to 1993.See original document.
-
Taxes to Taylor
This Firestone memo records the payment of taxes to the NPRAG, Taylor’s rebel government, the National Patriotic Reconstruction Assembly Government.See original document.
-
The Diary
This is a 10-day diary kept by Donald Ensminger as Charles Taylor’s rebels invaded the Firestone plantation in Liberia.See original document.
-
Firestone CEO Meets With Rebels
This company memorandum details a meeting between Firestone CEO Yoichiro Kaizaki and representatives from the government of Charles Taylor at Firestone’s corporate headquarters in Akron, Ohio. See original document.
-
The New Ambassador Visits
This State Dept. cable describes a visit to the Firestone plantation by U.S. Ambassador William Twaddell, just before the launch of Operation Octopus. See original document.
