DUTCH LEADERSHIP

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 136, 6 December 1944, Page 5

DUTCH LEADERSHIP

NEW GOVERNMENT AFTER LIBERATION

LONDON, December 5. The people who have been through the occupation have the right that one of their men should be the Prime Minister," said Dr. Gerbrandy, Prime Minister of Holland, at a Press conference somewhere in Holland at which he announced that his Government would resign as soon as Holland as liberated. He said that a new Parliament would be chosen "by means not yet devised," and would hold office till an election could be held, which would probably be 'in one and a half to two years. Queen Wilhelmina would choose the Prime Minister of the interim Parliament. % There must be a new Government m tune with the temper of the people," said Dr. Gerbrandy. "The resistance movement must have a say in the formation of this new Parliament. J am not even sure '.hat the old parties will be returned. Since our last election there has been a great world crisis. The whole spirit "and mind of tne population have changed. Returning to Holland, we meet people quite «Verent from those whom we left in 1940. Perhaps one-third of our people who are now of age to vote were not on the lists in 1937. The members of Parliament would have the support only of the old people and not of the young and fresh elements representing the spirit of Holland.

I hope to be back in London before the end of the wejsk to report to the Queen and Cabinet. We are not here tor political reasons but for practical ones. This is no longer a political Government but a Government of affairs. We still have to face the war m the Pacific, and we have agreed for this war to the creation of an army, an air force, and navy t% reinforce our existing forces." Dr. Gerbrandy added that he had had horrifying reports from the part of. Holland still in German hands, especially Amsterdam and Rotterdam

The Indian Test cricketers V. S Hazare and V. M. Merchant, playing for the Cricket Club of India against a Services eleven, established an Indian record for a fourth-wicket partnership, scoring 382. Hazare made 200 not out and Merchant 201 retired, says a message from Bombay.