THE GERMAN THREAT TO HOLLAND

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 189, 30 April 1918, Page 5

THE GERMAN THREAT TO HOLLAND

SITUATION DELICATE DUTCH IN A DIFFICULT QUANDARY London, .April 2S. Tho "Daily Telegraph's" Hague correspondent says that the Foreign Ministor's announcement iliai; tho development of tho 6and and gravel question has not taken im unfavourable course, but that tho situation is serious, is interpreted as .meaning that tho Government agrees with the German demand, but fears complications with tho Entente. The public is alarmed by tho Gorman newspapers' sudden w.ivo of threats and advocacy of military ruthlessness. Tho same journal's correspondent at Rotterdam states that tho ' Germania," tho official organ of the C'entro Party, declares that if tho war lasts long enough a point must be reached when Holland and Switzerland will bo forced to completeiy join ono or the other group of belligerents. Other German papers state that Holland is in danger of becoming a British bridgehead towards Germany, as Jielgium was. Tho correspondent adds: "The Dutch people show tho utmost anxiety owing to Germany's bullying: attitude."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. BETWEEN TWO STOOLS. , Paris, April 28. A prominent Dutchman, in an interview in tho "Journal," says that a Dutch army of half a million is in readiness to defend the nation's rights against aggression. Thero was no reason to believe that tlio negotiations wero on tho verge .of rupture. Ho expected that a compromise would bo reached apon Germany's demands regarding the lihine shipping and the exchange of food. "Holland, with Germany menacing it on one side, and the Entonto adopting a firm attitude on the other, is in 6oro straits."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. INDICATIONS OF SETTLEMENT. (liec. April 29, 7.15 p.m.) London, April 28. The "Daily Telegraph's" Rotterdam correspondent quotes the Berlin correspondent of tho "Kotterdamscho Courant": "There is a feeling of confidence in authoritative circles here regarding the negotiations with Holland. Details are not yet known, but it is believed that tho affair has been settled." The "Daily Telegraph" correspondent adds: "An o'fficially inspired message indicates that Germany is satisfied that she has succeeded in forcing Holland to accede to her demands. Indications in Holland point in tho same direction, although public feeling is still tense. Country depositors on Saturday withdrew largo sums from the banks."—Aus.-iS .Z. Cable Assn. SOME SWOItD-RATTLiXG. (ltec. April 2!), 11.15 p.m.) Amsterdam, April 20. Groat interest has been cvinced over a statement by a general officer: "We will teach you Dutch a lesson on August 1. lieep that data in mind."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.