MARTYRDOM OF BELGIUM.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14145, 24 July 1916, Page 6

MARTYRDOM OF BELGIUM.

BRITAIN'S MESSAGE TO THE

SUFFERING PEOPLE

(Reuters Telegrams.)

London, July 21. Speaking at a banquet in celebration of Belgian Independence at the Albert Hall, Mr Asquith said he wished to bring to the knowledge of the civilised world Germany's new decree against Belgian workmen, the object of which was to requisition Belgian labour militarily. That was the climax of a policy which had already unsuccessfully resorted to starvation and deportation. Belgium was goin:.; through one of those ordeals whidi proved the staff

of which nations were made, Britain was taking .iote and would not forget her.

.Turning to the Belgian Minister, Mr i 'Asquith concluded: "Tell your compatriots that their example has inspired and stimulated the Allied nations and their armies. Tell them, finally, that when the hour of deliverance comes, and 'come it must ere long, it will be | for Britain a proud and ennobling me- i mo-ry that it shared in restoring to \ them their freedom and independence, to which no nation in the history of the world has shown itself more in-, jdisputably entitled." (Loud" c&eers).-

[T^ESS ASSOOIATIOJ^— COPYKIGHT.]