BELGIAN NEUTRALITY INSECURE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 59, 11 March 1937, Page 7

BELGIAN NEUTRALITY INSECURE

FEARS OF COMMUNISM FRANCO-SO VIET. PACT DISLIKED BRITAIN’S DIFFICULT ROLE LONDON, March 9. In connection with the Anglo-Bel-gium conversations, Belgium has renewed her representations to Britain for the termination of her obligations whicn followed Germany’s denunciation of the Locarno Treaty, by which England, France, and Belgium agreed to the exchange of general staff information. Belgium wants her integrity clearly defined and guaranteed by England, France, and Germany in exchange for which Belgium will be prepared to strengthen her defences sufficiently to safeguard her neutrality while remaining in the League. Belgium’s desire to desert England and France is really inspired by De Grelle’s growing strength and dislike of the Franco-Soviet Pact, coupled with the belief that France is rapidly going Communist. But Britain, who for strategic reasons, needs a close working arrangement with Belgium, is endeavouring to impress on Dr. Van Zeeland that there is no danger of Communism in France. Unless Britain succeeds the position will become most difficult because in the event of a menace from Germany it is essential that Britain should have an air-raid warning organisation in Belgium territory, which is impossible if Belgium is neutral. It was reported in a cable published in Monday’s “Chronicle” that conversations were proceeding through diplomatic channels between London and Brussels. Owing to the delicate situation arising in connection with Belgian neutrality it is feared with receding chances for a Western Pact. Herr Hitler’s promise to respect Belgium’s territoriality may divorce Belgium from Britain and France. AN ISSUE FOR THE PEOPLE PREMIER TO CONTEST BYELECTION. OPPOSITION CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. Received March 10, 11.55 p.m. BRUSSELS, March 10. “I am acting in the interests of the country,” declared the Premier, Mr. Paul van Zeeland, who accepted Mr. de Grelle’s challenge to an electoral duel. Mr de Grelle last week ordered a rexist deputy for one of the Brussels constituencies to resign, simultaneously announcing that he would himself contest the by-election, thus challenging the Government to a trial of strength between their policy and his. A crowded Chamber cheered Mr. van Zeeland’s announcement that he would oppose Mr. de Grelle personally “for the sake of democracy and Parliamentary Government.” The by-election will be held in April and is likely to be one of the fiercest in Belgian history.