THE BELGIANS.

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 3001, 24 July 1916, Page 4

THE BELGIANS.

PREMIER ASQUITH'S PRAISE

[Renter's Telegram.] London, July 21

Speaking at tho banquet in celebration of Belgian independence at the Albert Hall Mr. Asquith said that he wished to bring to the knowledge of the civilised world Germany's new- decree against Belgian workmen, the object of which was tho requisition of Helgian labour for military purposes. That was the climax of the policy which had already unsuccessfully resorted to starvation and deportation. Belgium was going through one of those ordeals which proved the stuff whereof nations were made. Britain wa.s taking note and would not forget her. Turning to the Belgian Ministor Mr. Asquith concluded : "Tell your patriots that their example has inspired and stimulated the Allied nations and armies. Tell them finally that when the hour of deliverance comes and come it must ere long, it will be to Britain a proud ami ennobling memory, that it shared in restoring them their freedom and independence whereto no nation in the history of the world had shown itself more indisputably entitled." (Loud cheers.)