BELGIUM.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1918, Page 5

BELGIUM.

BELGIAN INDEPENDENCE.

NOT JOINING THE ENTENTE

■Received Dec. 1, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Nov. "0. The New York Times' Brussels correspondent interviewed M. de la Ohroix, tho new Belgian Premier. He said: '"England and the United States have assured us that they would treat us like Englishmen or Americans. We cannot enter tho Entente zolverein, for we must remain free am| independent. I hops England vrill retain her free trade policy, and '.hope and believe we shall remain neutral, but not like the neutrality which will be forced upon us by the Powers. We may enter into alliances for the purpose of defending our independence.—Aiw. N.Z. Cable Association.

LIBERATION FROM GERMANY.

GERMAN TROOPS ACROSS THE

BORDER.

RESIDENTS DELIGHTED.

London, Nov. 28. Mr Robinson writes that Belgium is free. The last enemy troops crossed the frontier on November 27. Our cavalry is fifteen miles east of Namur. The countryside east of Mons is a curious contrast to the desolated regions elsewhere, not ishowing . signs of the war. The peaceful valley is covered wit'hi agriculture, sheep, and battle. The Mons and Charleroi mines are working, the factory chimneys pouring out smoke, and the shop windows brilliantly dressed and full of good things. All kinds of foods and wines are abundant. v

Apparently the population in the east of Belgium fared luxuriously, suffering none of the hardships the war inflicted on the majority of their fellow countrymen. They do not charge the Germans witihl brutality, but are enthusiastioaJly delighted at their deliverance. Every road on the frontier is littered with abandoned German transport. The enemy deliberately fired great numbers of lorries and cars. The roads-swarm with returning prisoners and civilians.—Au»2J.Z. Cabl» igsa. ' \