The dual position of the Liberian bourgeoisie which, on the one hand, was closely connected with foreign, primarily U.S., capital and, on the other, was subjected to ever growing pressure of progressive forces in the country and the entire continent, accounted for Liberia's inconsistent foreign policy.
To begin with, Liberia, in contrast to most African countries, supported U.N. actions in the Congo (1961-1963) and favoured the preservation of close ties between African states and the West. On July 8, 1959, Liberia concluded a military agreement with the United States on consultations between the two countries "in the event of aggression or threat of aggression against Liberia". In effect, this was a treaty of military cooperation between the two countries. At the same time, in her foreign policy Liberia was inclined to pursue joint action with other African states in their struggle for peace and the abolition of the remnants of the colonialists' political rule in Africa.
Liberia had participated in almost all major African and Afro-Asian forums, meetings and conferences. She supported the just cause of the Algerian people, denounced the actions of the South African racialists and declared a boycott against the South African Republic. Liberia protested against the tests of French atomic weapons in the Sahara and supported the demands to grant the Angolese people political independence.
In January 1956, understanding was reached on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Liberia and the Soviet Union. Vice- President W. Tolbert paid an official visit to the Soviet Union in 1962. In recent years, contacts between Liberia and the socialist countries have become more frequent.