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Documents on Canadian External Relations
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Volume #18 - 912. | |
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CHAPTER IX WESTERN EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST | |
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PART
2 RELATIONS WITH LNDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES | |
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SECTION
A BELGIUM: IMPORT RESTRICTIONS | |
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912. |
DEA/4901-Q-40 |
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Ambassador in Belgium to Secretary of State for External Affairs | |
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TELEGRAM 15 CONFIDENTIAL |
Brussels,
January 21st, 1952 |
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BELGIAN IMPORT RESTRICTIONS | |
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Reference: My telegram No. 193 of December 20th. We have today received a note dated January 19th signed by Meurice, Minister of Foreign Commerce, in reply to our note of December 19th. Note states that Belgian delegate at "contracting parties" on October 22nd outlined the considerations which obliged the Belgians to take the step in question. "Belgian Government maintains the point of view expressed by its representative on that occasion." Note then continues that in view of settling Canadian Government's representations Meurice (group corrupt) asked his colleagues to re-examine the whole question of maintaining restrictions on imports from the dollar zone "in the light of the facts of the present situation and of the experience gained during recent months while the restrictive measures have been in force." Note concludes that they will inform us as soon as possible of the results of this re-examination. Text of note is being forwarded by next bag. 2. We are giving a copy of this Belgian note to the United States Embassy who have not yet had a reply but will give us a copy of their reply when received. 3. Belgian promise to re-examine the whole issue seems fairly promising. On the other hand Baron Snoy, former Secretary-General, Foreign Ministry and one of Belgium's most influential Civil Servants on economic side mentioned to Arnold Smith last week that there was some possibility that Belgium might have to tighten up dollar restrictions as they were becoming concerned about dollar reserve prospect. This remark was made during the course of a dinner and unfortunately not, repeat not, elucidated. | |
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