320/8–1753: Telegram
The Ambassador in Belgium (Alger) to the Department of State1
niact
127. Department telegram niact 161, August 14. In absence Foreign Minister and Secretary General sent urgent note August 15 to Foreign Office along lines reference telegram. This morning I discussed note fully with Poswick, who is in charge Foreign Office. He said Belgian intention to withdraw had been clearly stated in GA last December 10 and on several other occasions during last two years; that Belgian UN delegate had several days ago been instructed to give formal notification which undoubtedly is being done today if not sooner; that final decision on this matter was taken by Foreign Minister and Minister Colonies since at any review, decision could only be undertaken by two ministers concerned; and that Foreign Minister will not return from vacation abroad until near end of month. Poswick said Belgian representative [Page 1318] will not participate in meeting of committee tomorrow, unless he attends merely to withdraw immediately.
When pressed for immediate action, Poswick said Foreign Office unable to postpone implementation its decision, although it fully appreciates US Government views on subject. Poswick is Chef de Cabinet to Van Zeeland and undoubtedly is accurate in his statement of Belgian position. He admitted that after return Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister Colonies may review decision, but said alteration decision rather remote.
- Repeated by Brussels for information to London, Paris, The Hague, Copenhagen, Canberra, and Wellington; passed by the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations at 5 p.m., Aug. 17; read by Cargo at 6 p.m.↩