855.001 Leopold/6–1145: Telegram
The Ambassador in Belgium ( Sawyer ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:30 p.m.]
780. Yesterday King requested Gen Erskine and Col Sherman Chief and Deputy Chief SHAEF mission to Belgium Prime Minister Van Acker and Pirenne,74 historian, to come immediately to see him. Brit Ambassador and I advised against Erskine and Sherman going. Erskine is handing to PM today a note saying in effect that as Gen Eisenhower does not care to advise or control the decision of the King it appears that no useful purpose can be served by this visit. This note will be delivered to the King by Van Acker. I am told by Brit Ambassador that this point of view is in conformity with the wishes of the Foreign Office.
- Jacques Pirenne.↩