Belgian Referendum On King’s Return Opposed By leftists

Grey River Argus, 8 November 1949, Page 5

Belgian Referendum On King’s Return Opposed By leftists

BRUSSELS, Nov. 6 The Belgian Socialists are against holding a referendum on the question of the King’s return. Both Socialists and Communists to-day indicated opposition to the return to the throne of the provisionally-exiled King Leopold. The Socialist Party said all Belgian Socialist Labour organisations would oppose the proposal for the return of the King if an advisory plebiscite was held to determine his future. The statement added that the party would fight the proposals for a referendum. Twelve thousand Communists paraded through the centre of Brussels to-day headed by 15 brass bands playing the Internationale and called on King Leopold to abdicate. They carried 400 huge red flags and brought traffic to a standstill for six hours. Pedestriansi trying to pass through the Communist ranks were thrown back by the Communists shouting, “Brussels is our’s foj- the day.” The Belgian Communist Party mobilised all its forces for the demonstration. Marchers were brought to the capital from all parts of the country in hundreds of motor coaches flying Communist emblems and bearing anti-Leopold slogans.