What became known as the "Belgian Solution" - the annexation of the CFS by the Belgian government -  was viewed by both Britain and the USA to be the optimal answer to the "Congo Question". Despite Belgium's position as a neutral state, both countries issued a joint "démarche" on 23 January 1908 demanding that the Belgian government annex control of the CFS and reform the territory in accordance with the articles of the Berlin Act. Morel and the CRA, aware of the geo-political constraints of any alternative,  viewed the solution as the most practical for achieving their aims at reform, leading the movement to place public support and endorsement behind the "Belgian Solution" as early as 1905. The annexation occurred in late 1908 bringing slow and incremental reform, but by 1913 free trade and the effective dismantling of the Leopoldian system, as well as the increasing importance of Belgium to the "Entente", led to British recognition of the Belgian Congo. The CRA, acknowledging the gains made, publicly disbanded on 16 June 1913, with Morel declaring that ”the native of the Congo is once more a free man”, though both he and the movement were aware this was not in fact the case; tensions in Europe and a sharp decline in public support since the 'success' of the annexation, necessitated the declaration and disbandment of the association as the only rationale decision left.