740.5/9–1053: Telegram
The Ambassador in Belgium (Alger) to the Department of State 1
187. As noted Embassy despatch 230, August 25,2 Van Cauwelaert told me definitely that Lower Chamber would meet October 6. Today [Page 803] in meeting of Chamber Commission on Constitutional Revision he repeated this. It had been clear for some time that he would hold out for that date. Van Zeeland en route to United States3 and we do not believe in his absence government would press Van Cauwelaert on matter of calling deputies back. Embassy believes it might be helpful for Department to discuss EDC situation with Van Zeeland particularly in light of changed conditions resulting from German elections.
Rey, leading Liberal spokesman on foreign affairs in Chamber, told Embassy today that Van Houtte had given Liberals satisfactory assurance regarding timing of Senate action on constitutional revision question and that he, Rey, foresaw little or no difficulty this score. He estimated that EDC could be voted in Chamber before beginning of normal parliamentary session second week in November. View optimistic reports on EDC adoption by Belgian politicians in past, Embassy somewhat skeptical that Chamber will act this quickly. Rey added that there was “good chance” for Senate action on EDC before Christmas recess.
Position of Socialists following German elections not yet clear. We were told some days ago by Socialist Deputy that party plans hold meeting of General Council early October. He thought this meeting might result in change in party position relative EDC. Although this same optimistic note had previously been sounded by Leburton, Socialist Deputy and member party executive committee (now in States on leader grant), Embassy is somewhat less hopeful. Rigid position adopted by Socialists during latter stages last parliamentary session would make reversal difficult.
Government and pro-EDC parliamentarians expect Struye, Senate President, who opposes EDC, to adopt delaying tactics similar to Van Cauwelaert when treaty reaches Senate. However, Struye told me recently that ratification by Belgium was certain.