MUST BE HELPED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 39, 15 February 1945, Page 5

MUST BE HELPED

BELGIUM'S PLIGHT

Strain Of Regime Imposed

Five Months Ago

N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 10.30. BRUSSELS, Feb. 14. "The Allies must realise that Belgium cannot live on herself and cannot much longer support the economic regime imposed on her five months ago," said the Prime Minister of Belgium, M. van Acker, outlining the new Government's policy to the Chamber of Deputies. 'If Belgium is to live she must be helped and greatly helped." M. van Acker added that Belgium was ready to collaborate in all efforts to assure peace by the organisation of collective security. If changes occurred in the configuration of Western Europe she would defend her rights. She was ready to shoulder changes which might be due to a new situation, but would safeguard her interests. In reference to coal*problems. M. van Acker said the Government considered it essential to concentrate under single direction all administrative services which contribute to the production and distribution of coal. The Government would shortly introduce a new plan concerning fiscal measures and the establishment of total sacrifice which would be demanded from the nation. The Government hoped to see important Belgian forces participating in war operations in the near future.

The Belgian Food Ministry has announced a reduction of the weekly meat ration to three-quarters of an ounce and of the potato ration to lib. There will be no butter ration during the next 30 days. Brussels has already been without butter for two months.