Serb King’s Bold Move

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 555, 7 January 1929, Page 9

Serb King’s Bold Move

DISMISSES PARLIAMENT

Constitution Suspended

DIRECT CALL TO THE MASSES

(United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association J (United Service)

1 - 1 a,m \ BELGRADE, Sunday. THE of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes has suspended B the constitution, dissolved the Chamber, and proclaimed that all the laws remain in force unless they are modified by royal decree. A semi-official announcement says that there is no other solution of the present difficulties. It foreshadows a dictatorship, “in order to prepare the ground for a new constitution and healthier Parliamentarianism.”

A Royal Proclamation declares that the hour has come when there cannot be any intermediary between the King and the people. ‘‘My soul is torn by the complaints of the labouring masses, who are patriotic but exhausted, and who realise that the way we have trod can no longer be pursued in our Parliamentary life,” declares the King. “The political outlook has become more and more negative. All useful institutions have been jeopardised. Political passions have so abused Parliamentary life, which has been always my ideal, that it becomes an obstacle to all profitable work. “Regrettable disputes in the Skupshtina (Parliament) have undermined the nation’s confidence in it. It would be a loss of time to seek the remedy in a change of Parliament and Government. “Fresh methods must be sought. I am convinced that the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes will help my efforts to

reorganise the administration as best suited to the State’s needs.” APPEAL TO MINISTERS After the new Ministers had taken the oath of office, King Alexander invited them to collaborate with him.

KING ALEXANDER He hoped they would appreciate the magnitude of the task and its significance. He appealed to them strictly to carry out the laws, creating popular confidence toward the authorities, and assured them of real protection if their duties were honestly discharged.