501.BE/9–649: Telegram
The Chargé in Belgium (Millard) to the Secretary of State
1198. We discussed Deptel 1066 September 2 with Loridan, Chief of Foreign Office Political Department. He received this information sympathetically and said he would recommend to Van Zeeland1 that Belgians reconsider their position. He confirmed report of meeting in Paris August 18 but had no news from Rijkmans2 of meeting at Lake Success August 24. While claiming that Belgium legal position was strong in that requirements of Article 73–e did not necessarily contemplate special committee on information, Loridan admitted that political position of administering powers was very weak, and conceded that much propaganda could be made by USSR if administering powers adhered to position adopted August 18. Accordingly we feel that there is good prospect that Belgians at least may change their views although we learn privately that Minister of Colonies Wigny is personally hypersensitive on question of information re Congo. On this point Loridan commented this morning that Belgians feel that information should be given on regional basis and not on colonial basis. In other words if special committee required reports on education in Congo UN should also look to education in other parts of Africa such as Liberia and Union of South Africa.
Sent Department 1198, repeated Paris 203, London 139, Usun 2.