THE EX-KAISER

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 123, 18 February 1920, Page 7

THE EX-KAISER

ALLIES RENEW DEMAND FOR HIS SURRENDER PLAIN-SPOKEN NOTE TO DUTCH GOVERNMENT (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright (Rec. February 18, 0.45 a.m.) London, February 17. The Powers, in their reply to tlio Netherlands Government's Note in regard to the ex-Kaiser, point out the immense sacrifices they made in the general interest during the war, which entitle them to ask for reconsideration of the refusal for extradition based on the weighty but entii-ely personal considerations of a State which held aloof from the war and cannot, perhaps, appreciate quito accurately all tho duties and dangers of the present hour. The Powers emphasise the grave political effects to which the* relinquishment of tho claims of justice against the ex-Emperor will give rise, and they renew their demand. They point out that their request dyes not depend on Dutch municipal law. There is no question of prestige at stake. Tho Powers pay as much heed to the conscientious sentiments of a State with limited interosts as to the mature decision of the Great Powers. It was contemplated that the trial would prepare the way for a world tribunal, competent to examine international crimes and demonstrate the unanimity of feeling animating the conscience 01 ail nations. The Powers point out that the Netherlands Government apparently does not consider it shares with other civilised nations the duty of securing the punishment of the crimes for which William of Hohenzollern undoubtedly bears a heavy responsibility. They then dwell on the influential representative character of tho Note demanding his surrender, and say: "Surely the Netherlands has not forgotten that the policy and personal action of the man required for judgment cost tho lives of approximately ten million persons murdered in the prime of life, were responsible for the mutilation and shattered health of thrice that number, for the devastation and destruction of millions of square miles of territory in countries formerly industrious, peaceable, and happy, and for the piling up of war debts running into billions, of vwhich tho victims are men who defended their freedom and incidentally Holland's. Tho economic and social existence of the nations was thrown into confusion and is now jeopardised bv famine and want. All of these are the terrible results of a ww of which William II was the author. The Allies cannot conceal their surprise at not finding in the Dutch reply a single word of disapproval of the crimes committed by the ex-Emperor—crimes which outrage tho most elementary sentiments of humanity and civilisation, and of which, in particular, so many of the Dutch nation themselves have been wnocerit victims on the high 6eas." The Teply refers to tho reactionary manifestations which followed on Holland's refusal and the dangerous encouraeement given to opponents of the just chastisement of tho culprits, whatever their social position may be. The Powers remind Holland that it she persists in her refusal she must assume direct responsibility {or heltexing tho criminal and for that P r °P a " ganda so dangerous to Europe and the whole world. It is indisputable that the permanent presence, of the ox-Emperor under fatally ineffectual supervision at a spot a few kilometres from tlie barman frontier, where ho continues to be the- centre of active and' increasing intrigue,. oonsctitutes for the 1 owers that made superhuman sacrifices to destroy this mortal danger a menuco fcliat tney cannot bo called ont to accept. ' Finally, the Powers declare that tho rights thev possess in virtue of the most express principle of the Law of entitlo tnem and make it their duty to take such measures as are required for their own safety. The lowers cannot conceal the painful impression mado by Holland's refusal to liand over the exEmperor without considering the possibility of reconciling Holland s scruples wHh effectual precautionary measures cither on the spot or by holding the exEmperor at a distanco from the scene of 'his crimes, and so making it impossible for him to exert a influence in Germany in the future. Such a proposal would not fully correspond wtthi the Powers' request, but would, at least, afford proof of the feelings which Holland must possess. The Powers urge on Holland in the most solemn and pressing manner .the importance attaching to fell consideration of their request, and emphasise how grave the situation might become if Holland were not in a position to give tlioso assurances which the safety of Europe imperatively demands—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.