M. Theunis, who has been Prime Minister several times in my Father’s time
and since my accession, has learned to know and to appreciate your
Country in the course of several visits to the United States of America.
I venture to express the hope that after having been so kind as to
receive him, you will be good enough to facilitate the accomplishment of
his mission.
I take this opportunity to place before you, in all sincerity, here
under, my personal views on Belgium’s particular position.
Knowing you have a perfect command of the French language, I think it
preferable that I should express myself in my native tongue.
[Translation]
Since the war of 1914–1918, in the course of which American supplies
saved our country from famine, the great Republic of the United
States has never ceased to show the warmest sympathy for Belgium. My
entire people and I have, as you know, always been deeply grateful
for it.
Today, when the dark days of 1914 are returning for part of Europe,
it is to America that we quite naturally turn, and we at once
receive from her the expected comfort: you have been good enough to
suggest the organization of special facilities for sending food
supplies to Belgium and the Netherlands. It gives Belgium the
greatest possible encouragement to know that its existence is once
more assured, thanks to your help. Thus the United States continues
tirelessly the work for peace to which it has always been
devoted.
We have followed with admiration, Mr. President, your ceaseless
efforts to save the world from the madness of war. It did not lie
within your power to spare Europe this calamity.
Belgium has been deeply touched by the expression of your peaceful
sentiments and by their deeply humane spirit. It finds in them the
justification for its own attitude and the reasons for maintaining
it.
Since 1936, my country has solemnly declared its will to adhere to a
policy of absolute independence. In so doing, it has pursued a
twofold purpose: to serve world peace and to assure and preserve its
own liberty.
Independence does not mean indifference. All Europe’s problems find
their echo in Belgium for the very reason of its geographic
position, surrounded by the three Great Western Powers. More than
any country in the world Belgium, overpopulated and with an economy
which has not yet recovered from the war of 1914–1918, is, for vital
reasons, desirous of maintaining normal economic currents; more than
any other territory, it runs the risk of total destruction if it
becomes involved in war.
Thus, when we saw the ominous clouds presaging the storm gather over
Europe, we made a supreme effort and reminded the men who held
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the fate of so many
millions in their hands, of their responsibilities, to the end that
they might seek through conciliation the basis for a lasting peace
founded on justice.
Our voice was not heard. War broke out. The mobilized Belgian Army is
ready to fight in defense of the nation’s territory and
independence. My people, which is in no wise responsible for the
distant and immediate causes of the war, has proclaimed its will to
maintain its neutrality as long as its sovereignty and the integrity
of its territory are respected.
Our position is therefore clear: we are determined to remain outside
the conflict provided our territory is not violated. If, to suppose
the impossible, it should be violated, we are resolved, as in 1914,
to defend ourselves with all our strength for Right and Liberty.
But Belgium’s mission, entirely peaceful and conciliatory, is not
ended. By placing itself outside the conflict, my country is
limiting the extent of that conflict; it interposes itself between
the great Belligerent States, and each of them, for a different
reason, reaps the priceless benefits of this stand; lastly, it is
maintaining, in the very center of the struggle, a regime of common
sense and liberty, similar to that of the great American
Democracy.
To serve this regime and through it, to serve the humanitarian ideal
it represents, is Belgium’s duty and ambition at a time when the
fate of civilization is at stake.
We shall undoubtedly be the object of pressure from various sides;
but we will resist it.
There is, however, one thing which might jeopardize our resistance:
the shortage of foodstuffs and raw materials. Surrounded as we are
by the Great Belligerents, we expect to suffer from the economic
war. But it would be very unjust if a peaceful country were faced
with inactivity and famine and if, because of its will not to
participate in the hostilities, whether economic or military, its
eight million inhabitants were deprived of their daily bread and of
materials the conversion of which would enable them to pay for their
food.
Belgium’s international trade is the source of its national income
and consequently of its fiscal resources. These are, in turn,
essential to keep the country from becoming financially dependent on
one or another of the belligerents.
As Head of State you will understand, I know, Belgium’s vital need of
being assured of a minimum of industrial and commercial activity. It
is for it a matter of life and death; we claim our right to
existence.
My country and I are counting on your enlightened sense of human
solidarity and on the warm and powerful friendship of the Great
Republic to help us.
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I make bold to say that Belgium places all its hopes in the United
States and its President.
Believe me, dear President,
Yours very sincerely,
