BELGIUM REGAINS POISE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 252, 20 December 1940, Page 8

BELGIUM REGAINS POISE

RECOVERING FROM STUNNED SPIRIT The stunned spirit of the Belgians has largely recovered, ami the Avord "revolution" is often whispered, says a Avriter in the Times after his return from- Belgium. It Avas heard now and then as far back as August, but only in a vague and dreamy Avay. But the economic spoliation of the country, Avhich has not yet reduced the people to the apathy following long and gradual starvation, has aroused intense resentment. For the moment only the spirit of reA'olt is there, ready to take shape if practical opportunity should arise. At the beginning of September the good old "La Libre Belgique" appeared again on the scene. It is believed that, Avhen the moment is ripe anil active revolt becomes a fact in France or any other occupied country, il will rapidly spread to all, certainly to Belgium.. The problem of King Leopold is not often raised. It is difficult at present to say definitely how the King stands with his'people in Belgium. Something akin to incipient propaganda for Leopold 1c Roi Humain, is» afoot and many people wear a tiny crown in their buttonhole as a symbol of adhesion to his cause. The King appears to be in some sort.pf conflict with the Ger-, mans, though no trustworthy information is available on the nature of their disagreements, | f