CRISIS IN BELGIUM

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 October 1944, Page 6

CRISIS IN BELGIUM

GOVT. V. PATRIOTS

LONDON, October 26

Hopes of a solution of the Belgian national crisis faded to-day with unmistakable evidence of the breach widening between the Pierlot Administration and large numbers of armed and discontented members of the resistance groups, says Reuter’s Brussels correspondent. These so-called patriots in some instances have already taken the law into their own hands, and M. Pierlot has again summoned the Cabinet to consider the new threat to the security of the State. The Government must now deal with the numerous, underground groups which are insisting on ruthless measures against treachery and immediate clarification of the Government’s domestic policy. The Minister without portfolio. M. Damany, disclosed that the Foreses of the Interior in three places had seized a huge quantity'' of clothing manufactured for the Wehrmacht. “Fairly intense Fifth Column activity is occurring, and there have been clashes between the workers in some places,’’ said M. Damany. LARGE SUPPLIES ARRANGED (Rec. 11.15 a.m.)~LONDON, Oct. 27. Major-General G. W. Erskine, Deputy Supreme Commander of Belgium, broadcasting, announced that the military authorities have decided to give the Belgians 200 tons of military food and supplies daily from November 1, to tide them over the period of reorganisation and supplement the present rations. The supplies would include as much fats and meat as possible. “We are going to have a very hard Winter in Belgium, and will need all our qualities to pull through without undue hardship for the men at the front and civilians. The enemy is not yet beaten. Belgium is still within range of flying bombs and similar devices. We must be prepared to meet such attacks with calm determination,” he said.

COLLABORATORS ARRESTED.

BRUSSELS, October 26

Newspapers in Brussels, Antwerp and Liege carry daily long lists of persons arrested for assisting the Germans. A nation-wide hunt for German spies, Gestapo members, and fifth columnists is in progress following an official warning that the death penalty may be imposed against persons harbouring enemy agents, and a call to the population to aid the police.