ATOMIC ENERGY


577


    I know that every patriotic American is grateful to you for again
  assuming the burdens of enormous responsibility. May you enjoy
  every success,
    Best regards [etc.]                         [File copy not signed]



  Department of State Atomic Energy Files
    Oral Cornmlunication 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 ar-
 rangements 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 comimuniqu6, as submitted previously, appears to be
 a comprehensive presentation of the understanding between -the Gov-
 ernments. 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 imple-
 menting the program outlined and of providing for industrial de-
 velopments 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, con-
 sultation 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 reduc-
tion 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 circum-

  'On September 21, presumably at the time of the delivery of this communica-
tion, Ambassador Silvereruys discussed altomic energy questions with Assistant
Secretary of State Perkins and Arneson. The conversation is described in
telegram 408 to Brussels, September 218, not printed. (8515A.2546/2-2850)
  ' 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 thei Com-
bined Policy Committee, April 25, p. 554.