611.5531/758
The Secretary of State to the Belgian Ambassador (Van der Straten-Ponthoz)
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s note of March 1 [3], 1939, in regard to the discussions [Page 440] of the general economic and trade conditions in Belgium and the United States which have taken place during the visit of Prince de Ligne. Its observations summarize satisfactorily the matters that have been discussed and the general attitudes expressed.
It may be useful to add that the United States Department of Commerce will be prepared to facilitate discussions between Belgian interests and American business groups for the purpose of encouraging trade between the Belgian Congo and the United States and production in the Belgian Congo of commodities which might enter into such trade.
The Department of State will be glad to continue discussion of these matters at your convenience.
Accept [etc.]