United States relations with Belgium and the Congo, 1940-19601998

This comprehensive study of United States-Belgo diplomatic ties focuses on the small-power/superpower relationship and the Congo's effect upon it. The traverse of Belgo-American relations from a warm but limited connection in 1940 to close involvement accompanied by hurt feelings in 1961, and their subsequent rebound to a more healthy condition, frames consideration of multiple issues. Among these are the U.S. purchase of Congolese uranium and the fairness of the compensation paid, Belgium's assistance to U.S. efforts to encourage European integration, and the coming of independence in the Congo. The low country's participation in NATO, trade of Congo goods, and American policy toward UN action in the Congo are also involved. This work analyzes the contrasting diplomatic styles of Belgian foreign ministers Paul-Henri Spaak and Paul van Zeeland and the atmosphere of disappointment that often hovered over a relationship officially characterized as warm and strong.