CRISIS IN BELGIUM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23333, 27 October 1937, Page 9

CRISIS IN BELGIUM

RESIGNATION OF CABINET PREMIER GIVES THE REASON •' CAMPAIGN OF CALUMNY " (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) BRUSSELS, Oct. 25. The Cabinet has resigned. The crisis may necessitate a short postponement of the Nine-Power Conference.

Broadcasting his reasons for his resignation, M. Van Zeeland blamed the campaign of calumny against the unity of the Government, against which it was impossible to work successfully. The attacks continued and finally arrived the incident of the National Bank. "I do not remain indifferent to these attacks," he said, "because they concern the

great establishment to which I have belonged for 15 years. They must be cleared up quickly. By resuming liberty of action I will assist in doing so." EARLIER MESSAGES ALLEGATIONS AGAINST BANK BRUSSELS, Oct. 25. At his own request, M. Franck (governor of the National Bank) was granted three months' leave of absence. He intends to devote his time to defending his honour against sttscks. M. Van Zeeland's opponents, among other allegations, say that the National Bank negligently discounted accommodation bills and other doubtful documents presented by the Goldszieher and Penso Bank, which has gone into bankruptcy with big liabilities. BANK DIRECTOR FOUND DEAD BRUSSELS, Oct. 25. A sensation was caused by the news that General Etienne, a director of the Goldsziemer and Penso Bank, was found dead with two wounds near the heart, caused by a carving knife. Several bank officials at present are before the Correctional Court. Recent debates in Parliament showed that proceedings were pending against General Etienne.