BELGIANS DEMONSTRATE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 154, 30 May 1940, Page 7

BELGIANS DEMONSTRATE.

PERFIDY OF KING LEOPOLD. PARIS, May 29. Tlie Belgian Premier (M. Pierlot) and members of his Cabinet participated in Paris last night in a demonstration of several thousand strong before the statue of King Albert of the Belgians, on which numerous wreaths were laid and black crepe was tied around the base. A notice fixed to the statue read: ‘‘Venerated King who made our country great, give us the strength to wash away the shame with' which your unhappy successor has covered Belgium. V/e swear to avenge this treason.” Those marching past the statue sang the soldiers’ national anthem and cried, “Long Live Belgium !” Belgian newspaper correspondents in Paris have signed the following -declaration : Leopold betrayed our country and broke his constitutional oath. His capitulation lias effaced in a single stroke the sublime page his father wrote in Belgian history. Murdered Belgium to-day feels covered with shame, but she will not accept the dishonour inflicted on her by a traitor. She asked France not to judge her by a felon King. Tlie Belgium of 1914-18 still lives, and she will remain faithful to her Allies and the sacred cause they defend.” t

The Rome radio reports that King 'Leopold’s brother, tlie Count of Flandejzs, was severely wounded in action and had to have.his leg amputated. Jt is reported that King Leopold’s order to lay down arms is believed not to have been signed by the Chief of the Belgian Army, (General Miehiels),' but In's assistant. (General Desrousseaux), and this may result in some divisional commanders refusing to obey the order.