ANXIETY IN BELGIUM

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 9

ANXIETY IN BELGIUM

SEPARATIST POLICY

FLEMISH AIM TO FORM NEW STATE LONDON, June 15. The "Morning Post's" diplomatic correspondent, writing from Brussels, says that the progress of political elements in Belgium in furthering German' policy, even if they are not consciously pro-German, is causing considerable anxiety and may endanger the position of Belgium as the keystone of Western security. The Flemish Nationalists, who revealed unexpected strength at the elections, aim at separating Flanders from the rest of Belgium and incorporating it with Holland in a new Netherland State extending from Dunkirk to the Friesian Islands, leaving the- French-speaking populations_ of Belgium south of Brussels free to join France. The more immediate demands are complete financial autonomy for Flanders and suppression of international engagements affecting Flanders, . including the Franco-Belgian military understanding. The movement originated in the Great War, being engineered by Germany as a valuable instrument lor weakening the Allies, and the Nazis are reported to have financially assisted it in the recent elections. Flemish Socialists are combining in a demand for the abandonment of plans for fortifying the eastern frontier.