124.841/30: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Belgium (Sussdorff)
27. Your 56, July 22, 6 p.m. Please discuss this matter again with the Foreign Office and urge reconsideration in the light of the following information.
The present American Legation is situated in a different quarter of the city from other foreign legations and is in a particularly exposed position. Our information indicates that during the present rainy season there may be a recrudescence of attacks on foreigners with resulting danger to the staff of our Legation and American nationals in general. The Belgian Legation, which is now unoccupied, is located next to the British Legation and within the defense system of the latter. Accordingly if the Belgian Government does not feel justified in considering subleasing for an extended term, which the Department would prefer, it might be willing to sublease for a period of 3 months by which time the rains will have ceased and the protection of foreigners become less difficult.
[Page 275]Use your best endeavors to persuade the Foreign Office that such a temporary lease would not raise the difficulties which were envisaged in your telegram under reference.