Brussels, Apr. 17.
President Roosevelt's appeal to all the nations of the world to follow the Americas on their path of peace was warmly welcomed by Foreign Minister Paul-Henri Spaak in a speech before the Senate today.
"I heard President Roosevelt's appeal with great joy.... Unhappy Europe will undoubtedly have great need of the United States," M. Spaak asserted.
Reaffirming Belgium's strict neutrality, he added: "There is no opposition to the foreign policy of the Government, and this is a very important fact. I know that our fate is not entirely in our own hands, but neutrality is an active policy.
"We shall remain neutral as long as possible, he stated, "but if this neutrality is violated by anyone, we will defend ourselves bravely, just as in 1914"
M. R. Moyersoen, former President of the Senate, took the floor next to demand that the Government should exercise strict control over the acti ties of foreign citizens and organizations in Belgium.
"I ask the Government a question which many Belgians ask themselves he said. "Are you masters of the situation at home?"
M. Moyersoen at the same time emphasized, however: "Our policy of independence and neutrality does not deprive us of the right to retain our memories and friendships."—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.