| CG170429, # 4 of 4 |
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| Comments: "The mining district of Moresnet (350 ha) is a dispute between Prussia and Belgium. It does not belong to either of them. The Belgium following Germany banned the gambling in the country. Casino d'Ostende and its directors decided to take their industry to Moresnet. They formed an association, Belgian and German majority ,and rented a space (at the Hotel Bergerhoff) for the gambling season of 1913. The new gambling halls were equipped with the unused material Casino d'Ostende. They started work on 15 August. Apparently the casino was not open to the public - attached to the Cercle Privé des Etrangers of Calamine, only members paying quotas could have access. However one week after the opening, the Cercle had more than 600 members. The roulette and the trente et quarante had done their victims.The Belgian and German governments respond, trying to close the casino. However the gambling prohibition laws in Belgium and Germany, could not be applied to Moresnet as neutral territory. The Belgian had doubts, but the Prussian Commissioner issued a decree towards the casino closure and closed it. The Cercle administrators protested and presented the case in court. The Belgian government accepted the decision of Prussia.
from "Revue Génerale de droit Internacional, 09.06.1903"
Source www.gallica.bnf.fr |
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