Leopold in Unique Position

ADMIRED BY BOTH BELLIGERENTS
An Associated Press despatch from Brussels and transmitted through Berlin to America throws some light on the position of Belgium.
t is a curious result of the changing fortunes of war that King Leopold stands to-day in the unique position of being admired by both belligerents. All Belgians, even the pro-German ones, are agreed about the necessity for his restoration.
Belgian leaders in Belgium itself say there can be no government without restoration of King Leopold III, according to this despatch. With the King still a war prisoner at the Castle of Laeken, on the outskirts of Brnssels, the question of what is to become of Belgium is a paramount one among the population.
PATIENCE
A year after German occupation began, Belgium still is under Nazi military administration, Leaders have been counselling patience, adding that as long as the war lasts there can be no solution to the Belgian problem.
The country at present has no home rule, and as long as its King and commander-inchief remains a war prisoner it will have none. Henri de Man, former Cabinet minister, leader of the Socialist party and proNazi, has declared: " There is, indeed, a Belgian administration, but all of its basic decisions arc subordinated to the power of the occupying forces. Therefore, no Belgian governmental power exists."
WHY NO POSITIVE ACTION Referring to the manifesto of last June, in which he urged Socialist workers to accept German victory and pursue their economic and administrative interests, De Man said:
,' I am asked why my manifesto has not been followed up by positive action. The time then seemed to be near when Belgium Would again have government. One of the first tasks of this new government would be the formation of a single party, the
creation of political unity in the spheres of the trade union movement, youth organisations, former service men, etc. But the foremost condition of all — restoration of royal power—has not been fulfilled."