SPIRIT OF BELGIUM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 June 1940, Page 5

SPIRIT OF BELGIUM

DETERMINATION TO FIGHT ON DECLARED BY M. JASPAR. DEATH PREFERRED TO SLAVERY. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 23. The Belgian Minister of State, Mr Jaspar, who is the only Belgian Cabinet Minister to reach England, in a broadcast from London said that reports that the Belgian Government, exiled in Portugal, had now decided to cease fighting was quite untrue. “On the contrary, the war for the liberation of our fatherland continues, and it will continue till victory has been attained.” He said, “I have come to England to ensure this end, and I am waiting here for those of my colleagues who will try, as I believe successfully, to join me.”

M. Jaspar concluded, “Soldiers! destroy your arms and munitions, for you must leave nothing in the enemy’s hands. Let him have nothing which he might use against those for whose aid we ourselves have appealed. Sailors leave the French ports and make your way to those of the British Empire. Do not abandon the fleet to the enemy. Do not add to defeat the disgrace of treason. “Those other Belgians who are in France 1 I ask you to stand by our French friends in the dark days through which their country is passing. France cannot perish, nor can she be enslaved. The Frfench Empire is still there and is at our side. This is a time for deeds, not lamentation, for death rather than slavery. God will protect Belgium and her Allies.”