Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, General: Economic and Social Matters, Volume II

800.796/888

The Belgian Ambassador (Straten) to the Assistant Secretary of State (Berle)

D. 8443/8
No. 2583

Washington, May 26, 1944.

Dear Mr. Berle: With reference to our conversation of May 12 [10?] regarding the probability of commencing in the near future, exploratory talks between the United States and Belgium on the subject of post-war commercial aviation, I hasten to inform you that I have just received a cable from my Government emphasizing their major interest in the subject but expressing the desire that these talks be postponed until a later date; that is, until such time as my Government could send its delegates to Washington and when normal communications will be re-established between the Ministry for Foreign Affairs at London and the Belgian Embassy in Washington.

If, however, discussions of a general nature among representatives of various countries are envisaged, my Government would wish that Belgium be represented by an observer at such discussions.

I should appreciate your letting me know what consideration may be given to Mr. Spaak’s²⁰ request.

Sincerely yours,

R. van der Straten

20. Paul-Henri Spaak, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Belgian Government-in-Exile, at London.