BELGIAN FACTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22447, 17 June 1936, Page 13

BELGIAN FACTIONS

POLICY AIDS GERMANY DANGEROUS POSSIBILITIES LONDON. June 15 The diplomatic correspondent of the Morning Post, in a despatch from Brussels, says the progress of the political elements in Belgium is furthering Germany's policy even if not consciously. The pro-German element is causing considerable anxiety and may endanger the position of Belgium as the keystone of western security. The Flemish Nationalists, who revealed unexpected strength at the recent elections, aim at separating Flanders from thq rest of Belgium and incorporating it with Holland in a new Netherlands State extending from Dunkirk to the Friesian Islands, and leaving the French-speaking population of Belgium, south of Brussels, free to join France. The more immediate demands are complete financial autonomy for Flanders, and the suppression of international engagements affecting Flanders, including the Franco-Belgian military understanding. The movement originated in the Great War and was engineered by Germany as a valuable instrument for weakening the Allies. The Nazis are reported to have financially assisted it at the recent elections. The Flemish Party and the Socialists are combining in a demand for abandonment of the plans for fortifying the eastern frontier. ~