611.5531/355: Telegram
The Ambassador in Belgium (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 15—10:31 a.m.]
11. Minister for Foreign Affairs has requested me to call on him at 11:30 tomorrow morning to discuss present status of trade negotiations between the United States and Belgium. If the Department desires to cable or telephone me any suggestions or instructions I shall convey them at that time to Mr. Hymans. Otherwise, I shall inform him that I have no instructions.
In a conversation with Sussdorff yesterday, Secretary General of the Foreign Office, Van Langenhove, reiterated that the Belgian Government desires to negotiate with the United States on a broad base and expressed regret that our Government had indicated to Forthomme that owing to pressure from American manufacturers and protests from members of Congress it will probably be necessary to reduce by a large percentage a number of concessions in import duties previously offered by the United States on important Belgian products. He said that Forthomme had made counter proposals to our Government and that the Belgian Government still hoped that a satisfactory agreement could be reached on a large number of items.