PURPOSE: To preform suitable exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in proper quantities by determining an engine load in starting EGR action according to the number of engine revolutions, and controlling an EGR device so that EGR may be performed when the engine load is above the above-mentioned engine load.

CONSTITUTION: During the operation of an internal combustion engine 1, a decision is given on whether the number of engine revolutions detected by an engine speed sensor 51 is below its first fixed value or not, and when it is below the first fixed value, a throttle opening in starting EGR is set to the minimum value. On the other hand, when it is not below the first fixed value, a decision is given on whether a difference between the detected number of engine revolutions and the first fixed number of engine revolutions is below the second fixed value (> the first fixed value) or not, and when the above-mentioned difference is not below the second fixed value, the throttle opening in starting EGR is set to the maximum value. When the actual throttle opening obtained by a throttle opening sensor 52 is wider than the throttle opening in starting EGR set as mentioned above, a negative pressure control valve 45 is turned on, and the negative pressure is therefore introduced into the diaphragm chamber 27 of an EGR valve 20 to open it for starting EGR action.