HSM This telegram must be Paris closely paraphrased before being communi- Dated May 28, 1940 cated to anyone. (D) Rec'd 8:30 a.m. Secretary of State, Washington Rush 912, May 28, 11 a.m. PERSONAL AND FOR THE PRESIDENT The Belgium Ambassador called on me this morning at 9:30 a completely broken man. He said that the King's action in ordering the entire Belgian army to surrender, without consulting either General Gort or General Blanchard or informing the Belgian Government, was an act of dishonor without parallel in history. Since a King without honor was nothing, the King no longer existed. The Prime Minister of Belgium would denounce the King's action this morning on the radio and would announce that it was illegal since such acts had to be countersigned by the Prime Minister and would call on all Belgians to go on fighting. The Belgian Ambassador went on to say that he had come to ask me whether in view of the treachery and dishonor of the King the invitation of the President to the Royal children still stood. (END SECTION ONE). |