Minister Wilson to the Secretary of State.
Brussels , March 16, 1907 .
Sir: Referring to the last paragraph of the department’s No. 93, of February 9 (File No. 1806/102–103), in which a list of the members of the diplomatic corps of Brussels who are accredited to the sovereign of the Kongo State is requested, I have the honor to report that I find upon investigation that none of the members of the resident corps are so accredited.
Such business as diplomatic representatives are obliged, under instructions from their Governments, to transact with the Kongo Free State is usually carried on very much in the same manner as has been the custom in this legation.
The experience of other legations in transacting diplomatic business in this irregular and informal way has not been found satisfactory.
It should be remembered, however, that those acute phases of the Kongo question requiring delicate handling, accurate information, and intelligent understanding have developed only during recent years, and the necessity for adequate diplomatic representation has therefore only lately become of pressing importance.
I have no information as to the intention of any government to accredit representatives to the sovereign of the Kongo State.
I am, however, of the opinion that, in our case, the clothing of the diplomatic representative of Belgium with additional powers to the sovereign of the Kongo State would contribute considerably toward more effective diplomatic action.
I have, etc.,