I don't buy it - no country is going to surrender its sovereignty like that especially if it is likely to become a battlefield which it is very likely to.
Also it would be complicit in the act of war against France - its other neighbour
No sorry I don't think that this one would fly
We talking about Belgium and there a way...
first, explication about Belgium
it started as revolution of Flemish and Walloons against there Netherlands rule (1815-1830)
in 1840 the British diplomats consoldated the kingdom of Belgium as Buffer state between France, Netherlands and Prussia.
Even sign treat, if one invade Belgium, Britain will send troops to help Belgium, what happen 1914.
But internal Belgium had problems, serious problems
from begin the french speaking Walloons aristocrat and industrials forming the Political elite and government
The dutch speaking Flemish were consider by Walloon bourgeoisie, as dirty farmers, even consider them lower as "Negros" in that Time
French became the only official language in Belgium and all secondary and higher education in the Dutch language was abolished.
The Walloon even used the word " flamande" as insult
it take until 1898 that flemish dutch is declared equal languages in laws and Royal orders.
But still Administration work and higher education are in french including the discrimination of Flemish there.
The first world War was game changer in that because the Flemish cooperate with Germans (also in ww2) in hope to get better living conditions for them.
After the WW1 king Albert consolidated the Belgium's, on edge of flemish uprise against Walloons
but it take until 1930 for first Flemish University is open, even to 1967 until the Belgium constitution is translate into dutch for flemish.
So what has that to do with German Empire demand for passage to the invading army going to France?
Allot What If:
-Emperor Wilhelm II believed just asking king Albert would solve the problem, what let BEF landing in France.
But had Germans High Command be better informed about social and political problems of Belgium
They could have turn to Flemish leaders for Deal for free passage true Belgium in exchange for free Flanders
-Or the Flemish had enough and start uprise against the Walloon suppressor, and German imperial Army march in Belgium to "restore order" in begin of 20 century.
-Another Pod would that flemish extremist killing King Albert and his infant son Leopold inherit the Belgium Throne.
since there are no
adult male member of Royal family in that time, the civilian government has take the reign until the King reach age of 21 years.
Here this Government could do also a peaceful deal with German Empire for free passage true Belgium.