No. 44.
Mr. Putnam
to Mr. Evarts.
Brussels, February 25, 1881. (Received March 10.)
Sir: I have the honor to state that an incident in the debates of the House of Deputies of Belgium on the 22d instant was the following brief discussion upon the question of diseased American pork.
Mr. Willequet. A decree of the French Government has prohibited the introduction of American salt pork provisions. This measure has produced some disquiet in our country. I rise to ask if there are any dangers arising from their use in Belgium.
Mr. Rolin-Jacquemyns, minister of the interior. No case of trichinosis has been discovered in our country. Some cases of it have been found in pork destined for foreign countries, which were in transit through Belgium. Moreover, all danger disappears when the meat is sufficiently cooked.
Mr. de Decker: Salt pork provisions constitute one of the important branches of the commerce of Antwerp. I believe there is no real danger, and I hope the Belgian Government will not follow the example of France.
I regard the statement of Mr. Rolin-Jacquemyns, the secretary of the interior, indicative of the friendly policy of the Belgian Government toward our salt meat provisions entering the port of Antwerp.
I have, &c.,