611.5531/196
The Belgian Chargé (De Ligne) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary of State: With reference to my last communication regarding the commercial negotiations undertaken between the Government of the United States and the Government of the King,22 I have the honor to advise Your Excellency that the examination of the American revendications by the appropriate services of our Administration is virtually terminated.
My Government has charged Mr. Forthomme, Minister of State, to be the head of the Belgian Delegation which will negotiate with that of the United States. Mr. Forthomme will embark on the 10th of January on the steamer Ile de France.
I have learned, further, that Count Robert van der Straten Ponthoz will arrive at New York on the 10th of January by the steamer Champlain, and that he will be accompanied by Baron Beyens, who is also a member of the Belgian Delegation.
Mr. Hymans has informed me by telegraph that, as far as we are concerned, the negotiations may begin from Monday the 14th of January.
I avail myself [etc.]
- Not printed.↩