Assurances

The Belgian Debt Mission (headed by ex-Premier Theunis) last week opened its meetings in Washington with the American World War Debt Commission (headed by Secretary Mellon).

Said Mr. Theunis:

"Belgium, who did her full duty on Aug. 3, 1914, will honor all her just obligations. She would have taken up earlier with you the problem of an equitable consolidation of her debts but for the nonfulfillment of many solemn pledges given to her people during the War."

Said Mr. Mellon:

"In you gentlemen here Belgium has sent its representative men with power to negotiate. The question before us is of narrow compass. There are but two parties to our negotiations. Politics, local or international, are not involved. We sit here, reasonable men, around a table. Under such conditions we will soon learn each others' viewpoints, determine the true facts governing the situation, and should reach an agreement fair to your country and to ours."