BELGIUM WITHIN

Grey River Argus, 17 February 1945, Page 5

BELGIUM WITHIN

RATIONS REDUCED. LONDON, February 14. The Belgian Food . Ministry has announced a reduction in the weekly meat ration to three-quarters oi an ounce and in the potato ration to Ilb There will be no butter ration for the next thirty days. Brussels has already been without buttei foi two m “The Allies must realise that Belgium cannot live on herself and cannot much longer support the economic regime imposed on her live months ago.’’ said Premier Van Acker, outlining the new Government’s policy to the Chamber. He added that if Belgium is to live she must be helped and greatly helped. Belgium was ready to collaborate in all efforts to assure peace by an organisation of collective security. If changes occurred in the configuration of Western Europe she would defend her rights. She was ready to shoulder changes which might be due to the new situation, but would safeguard her interests. In reference to coal problems he said the Government considered it essential to concentrate under single direction all the administrative services whichr-pontribute to the production and distribution of coal. The Government would shortly introduce a new plan concerning fiscal measures and in establishing the total sacrifice which would be demanded from the nation. The Government honed to see important Belgian forces participating in war operations in the near future.