Evening star., 1937-06-25
BELGIAN PREMIER
PARR|ES INQUIRIES
GraciousIy Declines to Be
Specific on Hull, Roose-
Welt Talks,

Paul van Iceland, doctor of laws,
economist. banker statesman, diplo-
mat and premier of Belgium, last night
proved himself master of suavity as
well as master of arts princeton,
ls2l) by deft parrying of questions
from reporters who wanted to know
exactly what the prime minister said
to the President and what he discussed
with the Secretary of State.
The foremost peace-seeker of Europe
met newspaper men in the second floor
drawing room of the Belgian Embassy
and gave a 10-minute non n-specific
resume of 5-hour conversation
with Secretary Hull. This conversation
was momentouS enough to induce the
mead man of Brussels to decide to
change his plans and return to Wash
lngton Tuesday to hear Hulls re-
actions to information and suggestions
given by the prime minister yesterday.
Explore Wide Fields.
"We had an open-hearted conversa-
ton" Van iceland said in careful
English. language he learned while
he was a World War prisoner in
German camp. Both of us were
thinking aloud. We were exploring the
whole field of politics and economics
affecting current world affairs.
"We examined various possibilities
IN different directions, but always with
the same purpose of promoting peace
by trade relations. Already we have
achieved better understanding, a more
exact view Of American and European
relations to each other Many aspects
OF the question were invoked which
require thinking over, and we plan
another meeting next Tuesday after
time for reflection"
The burning question of the exact
nature OF those various possibilities
IN different directions" was dismissed
with smile and shrug by the
visitor. who gave part of the afternoon
to laying a wreath on the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier. AS for what
went on in the White House when
Premier van Iceland and President
Roosevelt talked
The conversations with the Presi-
NSAAe OoIolls W liIIll dlOllp.
U. S. Necessary to Europe.
But on the question of the impor-
tance of the United States, Van Zee
land became expansive.
You have the Al country here"
he said. 1T exer-" He looked at
Belgian Ambassador Count Robert
van der Strathen-Ponthoz. standing
attentively at his chiefs elbow. and
asked in French: What is the word
In English I want? Is it 'eXercises'?"
Yes, exercises" returned the Am
bassador.
Excuse me" The Prime Minister
turned to the press. MY English
sometimes is difident. The United
States exercises great influence in
Europe. Its interest is necessary to
the appeasement Of Europe The
country is too big for Europe not to
look to her"
Further expression Of his views on
the importance of the United States
in world affairs may come this after
noon from Van iceland when he
'e'iN' W a ioA SCI siOup VI newspaper
men at a Press Club luncheon. But
probably not for months, if even so
soon, will the world know exactly
what words passed between Van Zee
land and Hull in the secretary's State
Department chambers yesterday morn
and afternoon, or over a luncheon
table yesterday noon.
There is no mystery about the main
theme of their talk Both men are
IN complete accord on the PROPOSE
ton that peace and disarmament can