September 8, 1958
PAUL VAN ZEELAND: Athens is currently playing host to Belgian’s highly respected former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Paul van Zeeland, who is regarded as the «wise man» of international politics. He is here on a special mission. Van Zeeland is one of the world’s greatest scientists, a distinguished economist and an expert in a range of international economic issues. In 1928, at the age of 35, he became prime minister and foreign minister. In 1937, at the request of the British and French governments, van Zeeland drew up a report on the possibilities for overcoming obstacles to the free development of international trade. During the war he joined the exiled Belgian government in London as head of the committee for war affairs. On his return to the Belgian capital in 1944 he was appointed commissioner for repatriation. From 1949 to 1953 he once again served as foreign minister. After the war he continued to represent his country at international conferences and sessions of the United Nations. Often when international talks reached a deadlock, van Zeeland would save the day. He is in favor of a European army.
