The statement itself was proved untrue on the death of the King, since in the abundance of wealth of all sorts which was found, the Belgian Government was obliged to specify as "litigious" certain shares and moneys which it could not take over, and which it left to my sisters and to myself. These shares and moneys have nearly doubled the fortune bequeathed us by our father.
Let no one say: "The fortune was considerable." As a statement it is true. But it must not be forgotten that everything is comparative, and that if I explain a point of succession which is unique in history it is not because I am avaricious. It is because I must insist, as a question of principle, to defend what I consider right, and to enlighten the public on a hitherto entangled and obscure discussion.
The second Will, reproduced below, merely states precisely the intention of the first:
The Other Will of the King. (Document No. 49.)
"I have inherited from my mother and my father fifteen millions.
"I leave those to be divided amongst my children.
"Owing to my position and the confidence of various people, large sums have at certain times passed through my hands without belonging to me.
"I do not possess more than the fifteen millions mentioned above.
"(Sgd.) Leopold.
"Laeken, October 18, 1908."