[Released August 16, 1957. Dated August 11, 1957]
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I appreciate very much your letter of August 7 informing me of King Leopold's forthcoming trip to the United States for the purpose of visiting various installations connected with the peaceful uses of atomic energy. Admiral Strauss, who has been a friend of the King for many years, has been informed about the King's plans and is looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the effectiveness of his visit. In making initial plans for the visit I would suggest that it might be useful for you to provide Ambassador Folger with a general statement of King Leopold's interests and projected itinerary. After his arrival in the United States, the King will doubtless wish to establish with Admiral Strauss a precise itinerary to satisfy his interests.
You may be assured of our interest in the King's visit and our hope that it will prove to be successful.
Sincerely,
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
Note: In connection with the White House release of this letter it was stated that King Leopold's visit would be of a private character. The release further stated that the trip would be made within the framework of the activities of the Belgian commission for the study of the problems posed by the progress of science and its economic and social repercussions.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, Letter to the Prime Minister of Belgium on Proposed Visit by King Leopold. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/233454