LEOPOLD’S MISTAKES

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 July 1945, Page 5

LEOPOLD’S MISTAKES

PREMIER’S CANDID ESTIMATE BELIEF IN GERMAN VICTORY (Rec. 11.15 a.m.) BRUSSELS, July 20. Speaking in the Chamber of Deputies debate on King Leopold’s abdication, Premier Vanacker said the crisis had paralysed Belgian State affairs and must be settled as quickly as possible. He added: “My personal opinion is that the King is not a traitor, but he believed Germany would win the war. There was tension between the King and country before the war, and the King was not always wrong, but the King no longer has the credit and authority to discharge his high duty. The King had not reacted to the occupation as the rest of Belgium did. He believed in a German victory, and did not leave the country and follow his Government to London. These were very grave mistakes which I deplore. We have shown patience moderation, and understanding, but Belgium’s most vital needs cannot be sacrificed for one mam” Among King Leopold’s “many mistakes,” M. Vanacker listed the failure to resist deportation of civilians, a marriage which lowered his prestige among his people and his visit to Hitler.' M. Vanacker added that King Leopold described the Anglo-American generals as brutal and clumsy. He thought Belgium might become a scene of bloody disturbances when the Allies landed in Europe. But for his wavering hesitation, the King would have returned to Belgium after the liberation, and abdicated after a few months. The Duke of Brabant would have ascended the throne in an atmosphere of general elation. M. Vanacker ended his speech with a declaration it was his unshakeable determination to lead the country along constitutional lines. He appealed for an end to dissension and return u. unit, in rebuilding for prosperity.