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Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C02000172 # Belgian Strikes Observers in Brussels expect the Socialist-instigated strikes now in their fourth week to be broken within the next two weeks. The back-to-work movement continues in Flanders and Brussels, and there are some signs of lassitude even among the strikers in the south. The government, which has recently asserted that there is a systematic plan of sabotage, has recalled more troops from Germany and ordered the police to use "more firmness." The Socialist party has countered by urging the strikers to fight to the finish and to topple the government. However, Socialist leaders, realizing that the party's electoral prospects are being adversely affected by the growing public bitterness, are seeking a face-saving way out. In addition, there are serious dissensions within the General Federation of Belgian Workers (FGTB) and the Socialist party between the Walloon strike leaders, who are reluctant to admit defeat, and the more moderate leaders who only reluctantly went along with the strikes once they had started. There is, however, danger of more violence and sabotage. Serious riots occurred recently in Liege and Mons, and André Renard, deputy secretary general of the FGTB, continues to threaten to withdraw caretaker crews maintaining fires in the blast furnaces. Even if the strikes are settled soon, the Eyskens government appears doomed, and new elections are likely in the spring. After the strikes are over, the Roman Catholic trade unions (CSC), which have loyally supported the government, are likely to demand such modifications of the omnibus bill that Eyskens will be replaced. King Baudouin reportedly is anxious to get rid of Eyskens and hopes to build a government of "new men" which would seek to heal the cleavage between the Walloon south and the Fleming north. CONFIDENTIAL 11 Jan 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 10 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C02000172

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