Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1938, The British Commonwealth, Europe, Near East, and Africa, Volume II

611.5531/726: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Belgium (Gibson)

Washington, January 13, 1938—8 p.m.

4. The action suggested in your Despatch No. 101, December 13,² is receiving careful and sympathetic consideration and instructions will be sent at the earliest practicable date.

While we realize that the situation is unsatisfactory, there are a number of questions which require further study. Among these questions is the relationship between the problem raised in your despatch and the negotiations still in progress in respect of the comprehensive general provisions (Instruction No. 28, November 2³). We feel that our position would be considerably stronger under those comprehensive general provisions than it is at present.

You are requested to report whether a favorable opportunity has presented itself for discussing the general provisions with the Foreign Office. You are requested further to ascertain if possible and to report as to when a definitive expression of the Belgian views on the subject may be expected.

Hull

2. Ibid., p. 227.
3. Ibid., p. 224.