Leopold Agrees To Referendum

Northern Advocate, 6 August 1949, Page 5

Leopold Agrees To Referendum

BRUSSELS. Fri. (12.30 p.ra.)—King Leopold will agree to a popular referendum if the Belgian Parliament decides this is the only way of solving the country’s Royal question, it was announced tonight. In the declaration, in which he referred to recent talks with representatives of the main political parties, King Leopold stated that the Parliamentary decision on the matter -must be respected. King Leopold's declaration, which leaders of the parties discussed tonight, added that his talks had persuaded him of the need to recall his exact position, in the hope of bringing about an agreement between the parties. He wanted Lo see the early formation of a stable Government.

He refused to accept responsibility for the difficulties which had arisen, especially over finding a solution for the Royal question. King Leopold rejected a Socialist proposition that, in the event of a referendum being held, he must obtain a two-thirds majority before being reinstated. He said the referendum should be held solely to determine .public opinion.

It should then be left to Parliament to take action to solve the problem. “If I thought that in resuming my prerogatives, I would not be rendering a service to my country, I would abdicate in favour of my son, and heir,” the King’s declaration said. « UP TO PARLIAMENT The declaration said it was up to the parties to assume their responsibilities according to the rules of Parliamentary procedure. “If they cannot agree on a solution of the Royal question or upon procedure likely to bring about a solution, it is up to Parliament—informed or not. according to its own decision, by popular consultation —to decide and its decision must be loyally accepted.” the King said. The King added that he would accept any constitutional solution, and if Parliament considered it necessary to inform itself by consulting the wish of the people, he would agree to a referendum.