IN BELGIUM

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21197, 21 August 1940, Page 9

IN BELGIUM

NAZI PROPAGANDA BLACKEN THE BRITISH LEOPOLD STANDS FIRM (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Aug. 20 A correspondent of the Times who was recently in Belgium states that German propaganda has been notably successful there. The invaders are gratefully accepting a considerable amount of co-operation, which has been willingly given. “ The substitution of German military officials for the provincial governors is almost the only major change from the old dispensation,” the correspondent states. “Nothing is being left undone to blacken the British, and to a less degree the French, in Belgian eyes. This has not been difficult, because King Leopold still holds the affection of the people, many of whom were profoundly shocked by the attitude of the Allies, and especially of the pierlot Government, to the Royal capitulation. “ The triumphs of German propaganda are becoming less marked as the occupation lengthens. It is rather overdone. The Germans also have not yet been successful in capturing the King’s allegiance to the new order. King Leopold's Attitude "Leopold is the key to the Belgian situation. The future would be simple if he could be persuaded to accept the responsibility of forming a Government under German dictation, but the King has consistently refused to co-operate in any way with the Germans, in spite of all kinds of political and personal pressure. The Germans’ plans for Belgium are doomed to failure if Leopold maintains his present attitude. " No amount of propaganda and no amount of apparent German willingness to listen to Belgian troubles will turn aside the stark facts of economic disaster. Belgium is likely to become a grave liability if the war cannot be finished very shortly. “ Tempers on both sides are likely to become worn under the rub of economic necessity. If that happens, Belgium’s old spirit of defiance will certainly reassert itself.”