Keyes has now reported the substance of further interview with the
King when the United Kingdom reply (see Dominions Office telegram)
was communicated. [1]

In long conversation the King after indicating that if the United
Kingdom reply were communicated to the Belgian Government would
create bad impression, emphasised difficulty of his position down
the lines that while ninety per cent of his people pro-Ally, were
desperately anxious to keep out of the war, that he was not a
dictator and had to handle a Government drawn from several
parties, that while convinced that German documents captured were
genuine and show that Germany would attack Belgium as and when
suited them, was difficult to authorise staff talks owing to the
possibility of their precipitating German action, that
satisfactory assurances from the United Kingdom and the French
Governments would strengthen his hand in dealing with his
Government and people.

The King indicated that while unable to obtain the assent at the
moment of his Government to staff talks would do his utmost to
reach the same end unofficially.

War Cabinet inclined to be peevish at this reply and to consider
it goes back on previous suggestion of invitation if satisfactory
assurances given.

I have urged that this is wrong attitude, that account must be
taken of appalling responsibility resting on the King, that in
face of this not unnatural that he should hesitate thus giving
appearance of inconsistency, that we should maintain the close
contact now established through Keyes, and that if we do it is
probable that the King will decide to invite United Kingdom and
France to move troops into Belgium, thus enabling the Allies to
hold Antwerp-Namur line rather than line of the Belgian-French
frontier if they so desire.

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [2] agrees and is pressing
for this view.

BRUCE