Belgium: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

The Kingdom of Belgium declared its independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 4, 1830. Most of the European powers recognized de facto independence on December 20, 1830. However, it was not until the Netherlands signed the Treaty of London on April 19, 1839 that the former ruler recognized Brussels as a sovereign state. Belgium had attempted to remain a neutral country for much of its history; however, the German invasions in the first and second World Wars made this impossible. Today, Belgium is a member of the European Union and NATO.

Modern Flag of Belgium

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Belgium Independence, 1832

The United States recognized Belgium’s independence on January 6, 1832, when the Department of State issued an exequatur to the Belgian consul at New York.

History of Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1832

Diplomatic relations were established on June 18, 1832, when Baron D. Behr, Minister of Belgium, sent a note attaching his “full powers” to Secretary of State Edward Livingston.

Establishment of the U.S. Legation in Belgium, 1832

The U.S. Legation in Brussels was established on September 25, 1832, when Chargé d’Affaires, Hugh Legare, presented his credentials in Brussels.

Elevation of Legation to Embassy, 1919

The U.S. Legation in Brussels was elevated to an embassy on October 3, 1919.

Closure of Embassy, 1940

The United States closed its embassy in Brussels on July 15, 1940, after the German invasion of Belgium. Rudolph E. Schoenfeld was designated on November 1, 1940, to serve as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim near the Government of Belgium established in England.

Embassy in Brussels Reopened, 1944

The U.S. Embassy in Brussels was reestablished on September 14, 1944, with Ernest de W. Mayer as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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