Auguste, Baron Lambermont



François Auguste, Baron Lambermont (25 March 1819 in Dion-le-Val, Brabant 7 March 1905), was a Belgian statesman. Among other important conferences in which Lambermont took a leading part were those of Brussels (1874) on the usages of war, Berlin (1884–1885) on Africa and the Congo region, and Brussels (1890) of Central African affairs and the Arab slave trade and the Berlin Conference in 1884-1885.

Quotes

 * The slave trade has another character; it is the very denial of every law, of all social order. Man-hunting constitutes a crime of high treason against humanity. It ought to be repressed wherever it can be reached, on land as well as by sea.
 * New Africa; an essay on government civilization in new countries, and on the foundation, organization and administration of the Congo Free State, THE ORIENTAL SLAVE-TRADE, Page 132. Lambermont at the Berlin Conference.


 * No doubt whatever exists as to the strict and literal sense which should be assigned to the term in commercial matters. It refers exclusively to traffic, to the unlimited power of every one to sell and to buy, to import and to export products and manufactured articles. No privileged situation can be created under this head, the way remains open without any restrictions to free competition in the domain of commerce, but the obligations of local Governments do not go beyond that point.
 * New Africa; an essay on government civilization in new countries, and on the foundation, organization and administration of the Congo Free State, COMMERCIAL FREEDOM, Page 59. Baron Lambermont's report, included in the fourth protocol of the Berlin Conference.


 * It is experience, which will then inspire the interested Powers with the most favourable resolutions for the development of commercial progress in their possessions.
 * New Africa; an essay on government civilization in new countries, and on the foundation, organization and administration of the Congo Free State, EXEMPTION FROM CUSTOMS DUES, Page 64. Baron Auguste Lambermont, Protocoles et Acte general de la Conference de Berlin, p. 238.


 * Those who want to know my thoughts will always be able to do so: it will suffice for them to consult my work.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), Preface:The Colonial Ideology of Britain's Leading Superpower WILLEQUET, J. Le baron Lambermont, 9.


 * It was no coincidence that dictated my choice. Peace was definitively signed, the country's political constitution in full force, but Belgium was still looking for its ways in the commercial field. That’s where the point was.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), The uncrowned king of economic liberalism In 1901 he would explain his choice for the Foreign Trade Department upon entering the Ministry. DE ROBIANO, A. Le baron Lambermont, 17.


 * When Leopold had an idea in his head, it was impossible to make him quit.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), A key figure in the background of early Belgian colonialism WILLEQUET, J. Le baron Lambermont, 60.


 * With regard to the industrial and commercial relations that China seeks to create in Europe, and the agents that it would like to recruit there for internal works or its administration, Belgium can offer it resources equal to those of the States of first order. In addition, the country's situation, its essentially peaceful character, precludes any possibility of political conflict.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), A key figure in the background of early Belgian colonialism When Guangxu ascended the Chinese imperial throne as a child in 1873, the baron saw a small opening. He tried in vain to invite a Chinese delegation to Brussels and wrote to the Belgian diplomatic representatives in China. WILLEQUET, J. Le baron Lambermont, 65.


 * Mistrust of the foreigner is still at the bottom of the minds of the Chinese. One way if not to destroy, at least to mitigate these prejudices, would be to put the study committee under a neutral banner. The committee would be made up of capitalists and industrialists eager to prepare for the success of lucrative enterprises or of politicians willing to serve the cause of civilization with their help.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), A key figure in the background of early Belgian colonialism Baron Lambermont proposes to set up a study and research committee to start explorations in the Far East for a possible Belgian colony. WILLEQUET, J. Le baron Lambermont, 66.


 * Feelings of humanity and commiseration erupt on their own when we deliberate with our feet in the blood.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), The Anti-Slavery Conference and the Relaxing Relationship with Leopold II Lambermont in his opening speech to the Antislavery Conference, WILLEQUET, J. Le baron Lambermont, 97.


 * The ivory issue worries me more and more. I am not forgetting any of the considerations that Your Majesty has deigned to point out to me, but commerce will want to be reassured as to the limits of competition.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), The Anti-Slavery Conference and the Relaxing Relationship with Leopold II Lambermont On 7 July 1890 about Leopold II who imposed taxes on the ivory trade in the Congolese interior and on the export of ivory., AKP. Archives relating to the external development of Belgium, 72/114, baron Lambermont aan Leopold II, July 7, 1890. De hele brief is opgenomen in bijlage 12.1., 151.


 * Never have I had the impression of such a moral and civic downfall. In no country, not even the last of the last, what is happening here would be possible.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), The Anti-Slavery Conference and the Relaxing Relationship with Leopold II Lambermont in a 1895 letter to Henri Alexis Brialmont after the failed attempt to annex the Congo State by Belgium. WILLEQUET, J. Le baron Lambermont, 113-114.


 * There is no such thing as exclusively national thinking. The work intended to benefit science and humanity necessarily interests everyone, but Belgium and its Sovereign will indirectly derive honor and great moral benefit from it; in this sense, there is a truly and usefully Belgian thought. We do not have a view of colonial acquisition, but over time trade will undoubtedly find its value there as well.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 8. The Short Colonial Careers of Jules Greindl, Eugène père Beyens, Eugène Napoléon Beyens and Maximilien Strauch, A Skeptical Jules Greindl (1835-1917) Lambermont to Greindl. ROEYKENS, A. Les débuts de l’œuvre africain, op citaat, 167.

Quotes about Auguste, Baron Lambermont

 * He even carried on me the paternal feeling, that his bachelor's heart could not find to spend.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 3. Family and Friendly Ties Under a Dynasty, Court Institutions His son compared the relationship between Lambermont and his grandmother, father Beyens' mother, as that of an attentive and concerned second son and a mother figure. WILLEQUET, J. Le baron Lambermont, 134-135.


 * It is difficult in each case and in each of these innumerable projects, to determine with rigorous precision what was the role of Lambermont; but always, we will see him intervening as a political or legal adviser, pointing out the possible steps of clerics, opening the eyes of the Prince to difficulties he had not perceived, channeling his ardor in the direction of realism and 'efficiency.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), A key figure in the background of early Belgian colonialism WILLEQUET, J. Le baron Lambermont, 61.


 * From the start of his career, Lambermont sensed that the Chinese Empire could one day become a vast field for our activity and offer us virtually inexhaustible resources.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), A key figure in the background of early Belgian colonialism In 1845 Belgium had concluded a first small trade treaty with the Chinese Empire, which already made Lambermont dream of a large sales market and raw materials market in China for a growing Belgian industry. DE ROBIANO, A. Le baron Lambermont, 64.


 * The choice of Baron Lambermont, secretary general at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, collaborator and intimate adviser to the King, consummate diplomat and world celebrity, was appropriate. It was to him that in 1874 the King had said: “I would like to do something in Africa; I've been thinking about this for a few days now and would like you to help me. Here are my first impressions, think about it. I know your talent and your sagacious and devoted mind; I know that the day you get down to it, I will be able to count on you. peaceful and humanitarianism is my only concern."
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), A key figure in the background of early Belgian colonialism The memoirs of one of Leopold II's wing adjutants at the time, Baron Lieutenant General Guillaume, clearly hint that King Leopold II explicitly asked Lambermont to help him during the colonial quest in Africa. GUILLAUME, C. “Intimate memories. How King Leopold intervened in the Congo. ” In: Belgian Independence, 2 May 1918.


 * What is lacking to Lambermont's glory is a book signed with his name, summarizing his doctrine and the lessons of his experience. But if one searched the archives of the Foreign Ministry, one would find countless reports, a multitude of notes and instructions written by his hand or at his dictation. It is hoped that their counting will tempt some historian who will undertake to write the annals of the Leopoldian period.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), A key figure in the background of early Belgian colonialism BEYENS, E. “Le baron Lambermont” In: Revue générale, LV (Septembre 1922), 247. The biography of Lambermont by Professor Jacques Willequet can, however, be regarded as a starting point, but unfortunately Willequet did not use footnotes in his publication, not in the edition that used this research.

Quotes addressed to Auguste, Baron Lambermont

 * I have no other desire than to leave Belgium bigger, stronger and more beautiful.
 * Pierre Vercauteren: A king unjustly maligned. (Page 18) Leopold II on the evening of his accession in 1865 confided to the baron Lambermont. Léopold II, Count Louis de Lichtervelde (p.55).


 * Belgium is a boiler that needs valves.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), The uncrowned king of economic liberalism Leopold I once said to Lambermont. DE ROBIANO, A. Baron Lambermont: His life and his Work. Brussel, 1905, 59.


 * At the moment, neither the Spanish, the Portuguese, nor the Dutch are willing to sell. I intend to discreetly inform myself if in Africa if there is nothing to do.
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 6. Baron Auguste Lambermont (1819-1905), A key figure in the background of early Belgian colonialism Leopold II in a key letter to Baron Lambermont after the failed colonial efforts in the Philippines and Tonkin, On August 22, 1875. AMBuZa. Papiers Lambermont, volume V, section 9, Leopold II to Baron Lambermont, August 22, 1875. For publication and photographic reproduction: ROEYKENS, A. Les débuts de l'œuvre africaine de Léopold II, 1875-1879, 95-96.


 * Thanks for explanations. Since Belgian nationality is useless, isn't it better to travel an African traveler who will have more authority than me? Fear of increasing financial embarrassment. Nevertheless am at the disposal of the King, but of course I will never be under the orders of a foreigner
 * All the King's Men' A search for the colonial ideas of some advisers and "accomplices" of Leopold II (1853-1892). (Hannes Vanhauwaert), 8. The Short Colonial Careers of Jules Greindl, Eugène père Beyens, Eugène Napoléon Beyens and Maximilien Strauch, A Skeptical Jules Greindl (1835-1917) Greindl to Lambermont in a telegram dated October 23, 1876. ROEYKENS, A. The beginnings of African work, op citaat, 168.