BELGIAN UNREST

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26971, 21 February 1953, Page 7

BELGIAN UNREST

New Government May Be Formed (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 12.10 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20. The political situation in Belgium has become more tense and there is speculation on the possible formation of a new government, because of disagreements over financial and other matters, says the Brussels correspondent of “The Times.” “In political circles it is believed that a Cabinet of businessmen with Liberal and Socialist co-operation might be entrusted with the handling of financial problems and preparing the revision of the Constitution. Three advisers have been summoned to Antibes by King Baudouin.

“Among the problems preoccupying the Ministers are the status of Princess de Re thy, the former King Leopold's second wife, on which no settlement was reached at the time of his abdication and which has ariserr now because the protocols of the marriage of Princess Josephine Charlotte, the eldest daughter of King Leopold, with Prince Jean of Luxembourg, have to be settled; and the revision of the Constitution as a result of the trend towards European integration. “The revision would Effect the Royal Prerogative because the Constitution provides that the King is Comman-der-in-Chief of the national forces on land and sea. and the dynasty has always been anxious to exercise this function. “King Baudouin has signed a Bill introduced in the House of Representatives for ratification of the E.D.C. Treaty but he may ask for fuller information about its repercussions. “With regard to N.A.T.0., the difficulties were overcome when the King signed a decree placing Belgian divisions at the disposal of the Supreme Commander.

“In the House of Representatives, before a vote was taken on the foreign affairs budget, Mr Larock, a member of the Socialist Opposition, asked for information about the action taken by the Belgian Ambassadors in London and Paris who recently made representations about certain comments in the press concerning the Royal Family. “He said that between constitutionally governed countries such action was unfortunate.

“The Speaker refused to discuss the matter, which he said had no relation to the foreign affairs budget.”