LEOPOLD’S MESSAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 25 June 1945, Page 2

LEOPOLD’S MESSAGE

NO MENTION OF ABDICATION BELGIAN LEADERS AT SALZBURG (Rec. 10.45 a.m.) London, June 24. King Leopold’s first pronouncement since his liberation which the presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies conveyed to party leaders to-day, contains no indication of his intention to abdicate. King Leopold says: “My health being sufficiently restored my first concern is to regain contact with Parliament. I am deeply touched by the messages from it assuring me that the Senate and the Chamber learned of my liberation with the liveliest satisfaction.” The message goes on to say that the Acker Cabinet’s decision to resign the moment he returned to Belgium prevented him meeting Parliament in thv. normal way, but he wished to congratulate Parliament on re-establishing B Igium’s institutions and constitutional liberties. “Parliament and myself will be animated bv the common desire to assure a better future for our country.” Brussels radio says the Belgian Ambassador to London. Baron de Marchinne, is going to Salzburg after a summons from King Leopold. A number of Belgian leaders, including the former Prime Minister and leader of the civil affairs mission, Lieut.-General Tschoflfen, a former Labour Minister and secretary-general of the Belgian Federation of Labour. M. Bondasse, with the directors of the universities of Brussels and Louvain left Brussels by air for Salzburg. COMPROMISE EXPECTED London, June 23. A compromise over the Leopold crisis, leaving the Van Acker Cabinet in power until a general election can be arranged now under negotiation, says the British United Press Brussels correspondent. Public interest in King Leopold’s return has failed to- reach the pitch political leaders expected and consequently, all parties except anti-Royalists are taking a calmer line. SOCIALIST PAPER’S THREAT London, June 23. If King Leopold returns more damaging disclosures wiljl be made concerning him. says the Socialist newspaper “Le Peuple.” The paper adds: “We have so far only just opened his dossier. If a new Government is formed we are engaging in war to the knife.” Reuter’s Brussels correspondent says “Le Peuple’s” attack is intended to c« unter the Catholic Conservatives’ bid for power. The British United Press Brussels correspondent states that King Leopold’s second attempt to form a Government and pave the way for his return failed with the refusal of the Liberal I?ader, M. Van der Meersch, to accept the task. M. Van der Meersch, however, to-day flew to Salzburg where King Leopold will probably ask him to reconsider his decision.