Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, National Security Affairs; Foreign Economic Policy, Volume I

Department of State Atomic Energy Files

Oral Communication of the Belgian Ambassador (Silvercruys)¹

top secret

[Washington,] September 21, 1950.

1. In the light of the present situation and with due consideration to the views exchanged more recently between the two Governments, the Belgian Foreign Minister has been led to re-examine his position in relation to the problems formally placed before the Department of State on March 10th last.²

2. The Belgian Foreign Minister entertains no doubt that the arrangements arrived at will bring about a closer association in this field. He has taken note of the assurance that conversations will be resumed with Belgium whenever circumstances warrant them.

The redraft communiqué, as submitted previously, appears to be a comprehensive presentation of the understanding between the Governments. It is suggested that certain points, which were not cleared at the time, be brought up for review and accommodation.

3. The Belgian Government is concerned with the means of implementing the program outlined and of providing for industrial developments which appear advisable. In view of the substantial rise in the cost of other raw materials, the Belgian Government is considering readjusting the export tax levied on the ore. Indeed, a corresponding increase appears equitable. Before proceeding with this measure, consultation with the United States Government is desired owing to its interest in the matter.

4. The building up in the Belgian Congo of a plant for ore reduction is contemplated. The technical cooperation of the American agencies concerned would be of great value for carrying out this project of special interest to both countries.

5. In dealing with these matters, the Belgian Foreign Minister is actuated by the desire of taking into fullest consideration circumstances as they prevail today. Before releasing the communiqué, and annex thereto, with suitable condensation, as agreeable, he would welcome arrangements with the United States Government on the above-mentioned points.

1. On September 23. presumably at the time of the delivery of this communication, Ambassador Silvercruys discussed atomic energy questions with Assistant Secretary of State Perkins and Arneson. The conversation is described in telegram 408 to Brussels, September 28, not printed. (855A.2546/2–2850)
2. The note from the Belgian Ambassador to the Department of State, March 10, is not printed. The United States-Belgian talks of January through March are summarized in Annex D to the Minutes of the American Members of the Combined Policy Committee, April 25, p. 554.