d32 _ FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1950, VOLUME I

“First, I wish to express my Government’s appreciation as well as
my own for the commendable manner in which Belgium has in the
past and will, IT am sure, in future make its contribution to the com-
mon cause of strengthening the security of the Western World. Under
the 1944 Agreement Belgium has provided those tonnages of ore
which have contributed, in a major way, to the present strength of
the United States in the field of atomic weapons. To the extent that
the United States is strong in atomic weapons, Belgium’s security is
increased. The atomic weapons possessed by the United States con-
tribute to the protection of all members of the North Atlantic Pact.
To this end, Belgium has contributed her ore; and the United States
has contributed its scientific manpower, its technological skills, its
industrial organization, which in monetary terms now totals approxi-
mately five billion dollars. In this way, Belgium and the United
_ States have in this field made their best contributions to the common
goal of collective security. |

“Second, you must be aware of the fact that the atomic energy
effort of the United States is directed almost exclusively to the pro-
duction of atomic weapons. Even in those areas where, as you have
seen in the press, efforts are being made to build new types of reactors
which may help solve some of the problems inherent in achieving
atomic power, the primary emphasis has been on possible military
uses, such as propulsion of naval vessels. Atomic power, I can assure
you, is a long way off. That fraction of our present program which
1s concerned with research and development of prototype power piles
is So intermingled with highly classified military work as to be in-
capable of separate identification. Much as it is to be regretted that
the hoped for era of atomic power is not now at hand, one must
recognize that this is so. Had our earnest endeavors over the last four
years to achieve effective international control been successful, it is
possible that atomic power would by now have been farther advanced.
But in the present state of the world it is evident that our primary
concentration and our best efforts must continue to be directed toward
advance in the weapons field. |

“Third, under section 9 of the 1944 Agreement Belgium will par-
ticipate on fair and equitable terms in the utilization of uranium for
commercial purposes when the United States and the United Kingdom
decide to utilize uranium for this purpose. As is evident from the
preceding paragraph, the United States and the United Kingdom
have not yet arrived at that stage of development of the art at which
a decision could be made to utilize atomic energy for commercial
purposes. Mindful, however, of the commendable manner in which
Belgium has made uranium available to us, we are prepared to render
that measure of assistance, presently feasible, which will help to place
Belgium in a position to take advantage of commercial applications
as they may develop in the future. It is the considered judgment of
our technical experts that the special assistance we have suggested
would be of substantial help to Belgium in advancing her scientific ©
and technical attainment, thereby placing her in a stronger and more
advantageous position with respect to commercial applications as they
may develop. |