A MOMENTOUS ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23162, 12 April 1937, Page 9

A MOMENTOUS ELECTION

FLOODS OF PROPAGANDA A UNIQUE ISSUE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) BRUSSELS, April 9. On the eve of the Brussels byelection, which is ixpected vitally to influence Belgium's future, the Rexists and members of the Government are engaged in feverish lastminute propaganda. This is probably the first time electors in any country have been invited to vote on a straight issue of Fascism v. Democracy. The Socialists and Liberals solidly support M. Van Zeeland, but the adherence of the Communists is embarrassing him, as it is feared that it will lead many Catholic supporters to return blank papers. The flood of Rexist propaganda is overwhelming. Three times daily letters from five Rexist newspapers are placed in the letter boxes of every resident in Brussels. It is rumoured hat M. Van Zeeland holds documents proving that Germany is financing this costly propaganda. The Morning Post's special correspondent interviewed M. Degrelle, who said: "Political parties are an evil. I aim at abolishing them. There is no need for Liberals, as Rexism will establish justice. We will treat the Communists like thieves and give them a cha ce of reforming, otherwise We will ruthlessly suppress them." CHURCH TAKES A HAND REXIST CAUSE CONDEMNED A SIGNIFICANT INTERVENTION BRUSSELS, April 10. (Received April 11, at 8 p.m.) Cardinal Van Roey, Archbishop of Malines and head of the Catholic Church in Belgium, advises all Catholics to vote against Degrelle. In a letter to the press he declares that the Catholic Church condemns the Rexists' methods and principles, which endanger the church. He therefore calls on Catholics to vote against the Rexists, saying, "It is not enough merely to return blank papers." The intervention is likely considerably to influence the number of votes cast for M. Zeeland. AN AGREEMENT SUGGESTED FEDERAL STATE ENVISAGED BRUSSELS, April 10. (Received April 11, at 9 p.m.) The press publishes what purports to be an agreement between the Rexists and the Flemish National Union, aiming at the, transformation of Belgium into a corporative Federal State under a dictatorship, gradually increasing Flemish authority in Brussels. <