BELGIUM SURRENDERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 166, 29 May 1940, Page 5

BELGIUM SURRENDERS

LEOPOLD'S DECISION EFFECT ON ALLIES One of the biggest blows that could possibly have been struck at the Allies was King Leopold of the Belgians' order #to his troops to cease fire. It is understood that he asked the German High Command for armistice terms and he was told that the surrender must be unconditional. It is reported that 400,000 troops are affected by the order The Belgian Premier, M. Pier lot, charges King Leopold with breaking the constitution of the country by exceeding his powers. He has broken the link which binds him. to the people. * m e * It is stated that Belgium's surrender has taken Berlin by surprise. The first news caime from the French Premier, M. Reynaud, who said that the Allies could no longer count on the support of the Belgian Army. King Leopold's decision is con trary to the opinions of his Ministers and it is reported that they are prepared to on the fight. « m m m The latest French communique says that the Belgian surrender increases .the pressure on the Allies from the North and has opened the way to Dunkirk for the Germans. The British Expeditionary Force in Belgium is in good heart and fighting with determination and discipline.