COPY.
(F 3555/60/10).
No.323.
(13/35).
ree il
Sir,
39
British Embaasy,
229
Brussels.
29th May, 1935.
With reference to Mr. Orde's letter of May 13th
(F 2802/60/10) and connected correspondence on the subject
of the export of arms from Belgium to China, the United States
Chargé d'Affaires here informs me that some days ago he made
oral representations to the Political Director at the
Belgian Ministry for Foreign Affairs in general support of my
note of February 11th lust. H. e Tellier returned the
usual reply, namely that the Belgian Government considered
that the question of the regulation of the trade in arms
could best be governed by means of a general convention, and
that an instrument of that nature was at present under
consideration by a sub-Committee of the Disarmament Commission.
I understand, however, that H. Le Tellier made the very
important addition that, although such a convention had not
yet been concluded, no arms were at present being exported
from Belgium to China unless the import licence of the
Chinese Government had previously been issued. M. Le Tellier
gave Mr. Sussdorff to understand that the Belgian Government
had made it clear to arms manufacturers in this country that
they would be unable to give diplomatic support in the event of
difficulties being encountered in obtaining payment for arms
excorted without a Chinese Government huchao, and this wurning
had been sufficient to deter would-be exporters from running
the risk of non-payment for the arms supplied.
1 have, etc.
(Sgd)
ESMOND OVEY.
The Right Honourable
Sir John Simon, G.C.S.I., K.C.v.o.,
etc.. etc..
etc.