JOURNALISTS OF FORTUNE
WQfILD MYSTERY UNSOLVED
The world mystery of "La Libre Belgique," the patriotic Brussels paper, whicli made iio appearance every week during the four years of German occupation, will never be solved, its unknown authors announce in its farewell number.
The regular appearance of "La Libre BeHgique" was a source of anger and mortification to tihe German administrators of tihe Belgian capital, who were forced to see it come from the presses weekly, and never were able to determine where it was printed nor who were its publishers. And An no issue during all that time did the paper fail to assail in biting language the brutality of the German oppressors nor to proclaim unflinching faith in the future liberation of the Belgian people, and to urge resistance to the invaders to the last ditch.
In tho last number, issued on the day flollowmg the signing ot tihe Armistice, "La, Libre Belgique" has this to say:—
"Many thrilling incidents might be told, but a history of 'La Libre Belgique' is not possible. The work of free lances in whom every sentiment of good-will and of patriotism found their expression, it is better that tho mystery which contributed so greatly to their power should remain. Journalistfl of fortune, we always promised ourselves to cease firo on the day when journalism here ceased to bo a guerrilla warfare and when our regular troops of the Press ahould enter again.the battle. "Our' mission accomplished, we are willing to step aside. We had sworn that the German would find us confronting him till the last day. We have faithfully fulfilled the -promise." Throughout its stressful career, "La Libre Belgique" never losb sight of the importance of humour. On its front page the price of the paper was given tis: "Elastic, from zero to infinity ; subscribe™ are requested not to •pass this latter limit." The offices were> given as "installed in an automobiln cellar." The telegraphic address was set forth as being "KommandaturBnisseTs."
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTIM19190507.2.88
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New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10273, 7 May 1919, Page 8
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330JOURNALISTS OF FORTUNE New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10273, 7 May 1919, Page 8
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