Hail

Leopold III, King of the Belgians, suddenly recovered his health. From Salzburg he sent word that he was coming home. Since Socialist Premier Achille Van Acker's Government had virtually barred the sovereign's return (TIME, May 21), Leopold's decision plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis.

In Brussels the Cabinet, after emergency meetings, issued a communique: "The Government cannot assume responsibility for the political events which will inevitably develop . . . immediately after the King's return. . . . Current affairs will necessarily comprise the maintenance of public order as well as political responsibility for the words which the King will pronounce. . . . Therefore, the Government has handed to the Regent [Prince Charles, the King's brother] its resignation."

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