763.72119/2933: Telegram
The Minister in Belgium ( Whitlock ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 9:03 p.m.]
162. The activities of De France, the new French Minister at this post and the fact that while American and British troops have not considered it necessary to make detours to pass through Brussels, French divisions are being daily paraded along the boulevards with halts for ceremonies before the French Legation and other signs seem to indicate a studied purpose to augment French influence in Belgium. The fact is everywhere remarked and from my British colleague I learn that England is concerned and will take steps to contest French supremacy. From his conversation I infer that England will oppose the desire of the French Government to annex Luxemburg and that she will not consent to Belgium’s securing the left bank of the Scheldt. Repeated to Colonel House.