BELGIAN EX-SOLDIERS DEMONSTRATE

Northern Advocate, 24 June 1937, Page 7

BELGIAN EX-SOLDIERS DEMONSTRATE

Pardon For Wartime Traitors Resented (Received 1.30 p.m.) BRUSSELS, June 23. ' Maintaining their resentment against the legislation recently passed pardoning wartime traitors, 20,000 ex-soldiers, providing themselves with food and bedding, marched to the capital to protest. They assembled at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later they broke the police cordon and advanced upon the Houses of Parliament, though the latter is not sitting, and the Prime Minister, Dr. van Zeeland, is in America., Mounted and foot police charged and arrested many and injured others. Firemen dispersed the crowds with hoses.

A delegation then demanded an audience with King Leopold, to urge withdrawal of the amnesty, or resignation of the Government and dissolution of Parliament.

The disorders continued and severe street fighting necessitated further police charges to disperse the demonstation in front of Government buildings and the Royal Palace. Troops have now been despatched to the scene of the disturbances.

The American Press magnate, Mr William Randolph Hearst announces the suspension of one of his oldest and most prominent newspapers, the “New York American.” The Sunday edition of the publication will be continued.

In acknowledgment of British hospitality, the New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr Savage, and the Minister of Finance, Mr Nash, and Mrs Nash, gave an “at home” at the Savoy Hotel. The GOO guests included a large number of prominent people.