Dominions Office cabling you full information as to action by the
King of the Belgians using Roger Keyes as intermediary indicating
the King's preparedness to invite the United Kingdom and France to
send troops into Belgium subject to certain assurances. [2] United
Kingdom's reply in my view not good and with regard to the King's
third point, language most unhappy if it is desired that the King
should issue invitation.

French are definitely of the opinion that it would be advantageous
to the Allies to move forward into Belgium, have indicated that
prepared to accept the King's points and annoyed at the United
Kingdom's chilly response.

Chiefs of Staff both in France and here consider would greatly
strengthen Allies if Belgium invited them to send troops on
grounds the line which would be occupied Antwerp Namur would
considerably shorten the front which, with addition of Belgian
divisions, would represent an improvement to the Allies' strength
equal to forty divisions. In addition many exceptionally valuable
aerodromes would be obtained.

For your personal information in my view reason for the character
of the United Kingdom's reply is that the War Cabinet is divided
as to the desirability of moving into Belgium and thus almost
certainly immediately provoking major operations.

BRUCE