881.00/8–2145
The Belgian Ambassador (Silvercruys) to the Secretary of State
No. 5417
Mr. Secretary of State: The Belgian Government has been informed that representatives of the Governments of the United States, Great Britain and France will soon enter into pourparlers in Paris with a view to putting an end to the Spanish occupation in Tangier and reestablishing there the international status of the zone. Furthermore, pending the opening of negotiations with respect to a new convention relative to the administration of the Tangier zone, there is said to be contemplated the establishment of a provisional régime which although based upon that of 1923, modified in 1928, would undergo [Page 646] certain changes intended to render that regime more truly international.
My Government has therefore felt itself called upon to state its position in the matter, which is the following: the Belgian Government could not be considered as being bound by amendments made to a treaty to which it is a signatory or to arrangements made on the basis thereof as a result of negotiations in which it has not participated. It must particularly reserve the right to give its opinion concerning the text that may be submitted to it and to make its approval conditional upon the assurance that its legitimate interests have been taken into consideration.
The Belgian Government is convinced that its viewpoint is shared by the American Government. It is only for all pertinent purposes that, in compliance with my instructions, I have the honor at this time, Mr. Secretary of State, to bring it to your attention.
My Government would appreciate it if, in the interest of the negotiations, the American Government would be good enough to keep it regularly informed of their progress.
I avail myself [etc.]