File No. 855.48/653a
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Belgium ( Whitlock)
287. Various philanthropic organizations, both State and individual, are making independent proposals on humanitarian grounds to transport to the United States large numbers of Belgian orphans. There is no general plan perfected as yet. The Belgian Minister has been giving the idea his sympathetic support.
[Page 465]Before taking any position the Department naturally desires to know the attitude of the Belgian Government; whether in fact Belgium favors the bringing to America of large numbers of destitute children; if so, for what period of years and what suggestions are offered regarding their transportation. You may informally and unofficially discuss the subject with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, ascertain his views, after which the Department will be in a position to make replies to the various inquiries.