855.001 Leopold/7–2345: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 9:05 p.m.]
Victory 242, To the Department of State and copy to American Ambassador Brussels from the Secretary of State. With the approval of the President, I have informed the US military authorities that in [Page 134] view of reports that the Belgian Parliament has voted overwhelmingly against the return of the King to Belgium, it would seem appropriate that instructions be given that no transportation by air be furnished King Leopold or the group accompanying him, unless specific request is made therefor by the Belgian Government.
I understand that these instructions have already been issued by order of the Chiefs of Staff here. I am making no arrangements for the State Department to notify King Leopold of this arrangement and it is understood between the Army and ourselves here that USFET86 will notify King Leopold, should he request transportation for himself or any member of his group.
I do not see any need for Department or the Embassy in Brussels to take any further action on this subject unless some new situation arises, in which case I would request to be informed.
- United States Forces, European Theater.↩