NEUTRAL STATES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20060, 5 October 1939, Page 16

NEUTRAL STATES

FEARS OF INVASION NEIGHBOURS OF GERMANY COMMON DANGER BETTER UNDERSTANDING The offer of Leopold, King of the Belgians, and of Queen Wilhelmina, of the Netherlands, to mediate in the Corridor dispute served as a reminder, if one were necessary, of countries adjacent to the danger zone, says an Australian Associated Press dispatch published in the Melbourne Age. Because of its association with the Allies in the Great War and of the destruction and suffering of the German invasion, Belgium is better known to the people of the Empire than is Holland. Although the lastmentioned country escaped invasion during 1914-1918, it, like Belgium, has been for some time very apprehensive as to the trend of affairs in Europe and the aspirations of Hitler and his fellow Nazis. "The anxiety with which the nations of Europe await the future is shared to the full by Holland,” writes Rene Mac Coll in a recent issue of the Nineteenth Century. “In a sombre world the Dutch, too, must arm, make formidable financial sacrifices, and exert steady vigilance if they are to retain the peace and prosperity they so deservedly enjoy, and keep inviolate the frontiers of their highly civilised and cultured land.” Friction With Belgium In the years immediately following 1918 there was no love lost between Holland and Belgium. Following the victory of the Allies, and the annexation from Germany of Eupen and Malmedy, Belgium was “not in an accommodating mood.” On many points friction arose between the two countries but with the passing of the years the .feeling of antagonism has gradually diminished. With the development of the Maginot Line in France and similar strengthening of fortifications in the eastern portion of Belgium, the Dutch have been feeling less secure. The view is that, with the object of turning the flank of the French armies, Germany’s military tacticians have been flirting with the idea of invading Holland. It is not surprising, therefore, that, in the face of common danger, in both Belgium and Holland there has been a desire to remove the differences which have tended to make the relationships less cordial than they might have been. iA better understanding was arrived at between the two countries as a result of a visit to The Hague last year by King Leopold of Belgium Hu though anxious to strengthen the bonds with Belgium, Holland will not sign a defence pact with that country, and refuses to outline her attitude towards possible invasion before she has to, do so. In regard to guarantees, the Dutch attitude is officially stated: “The Government continues to hold the view that the inviolability of Dutch territory is axiomatic, and can never form the subject of agreements between Holland and her neighbours. It is out of the question that Holland should allow her territory to be placed at: the disposal of other Powers as a European battleground, and our attitude towards neutrality remains unchanged.” Although in practice no Dutch Government would acquiesce in invasion, the question of what should be done if ; a foreign Power were to ask the right of way has been left open. Defence By Flooding Should it so arise that Holland were invaded, that country has a great “defensive arm” not available to other countries. As Rene Mac Coll expresses if •‘The same element which has been her bitter enemy, held at bay with dykes, could be used as a friend in need. At the first alarm of invasion the waters would come sweeping in, arid an attacker would find his troops and transport trapped in ah inland sea.” The Dutch army is 500,000 strong on a war footing. With all possible reserves the number would be increased to about 1,680,000 men. These, with the assistance of an air force, which a few months ago was equipped with about 600 modern bombers and fighters, would withstand an attack as long as possible in the border zones, and then retire to “stronghold Holland,” which possesses a general system of flood protection, with section aftfer' section which can be independently flooded. Nations which became Holland’s allies' could' utilise Dutch territory on which to form aerial bases. Holland, which has an area of about 13,000 square miles, has a population of approximately 8,000.000. The Government is- a limited monarchy, the legislative power being vested in an assembly of two chambers known as the States-General. Farming is the chief industry, and high standard dairy produce is freely exported. Holland has many rich and thickly-popu-lated colonies in the East and West Indies. Weak Denmark At the north of Holland lies Denmark. with its area of about 16,000 square miles and a population of 3,700,000. Up to 50 years ago Denmark was united with Sweden and Norway. Sweden broke away in 1523 and Norway was separated by the Peace of Kiel, 1814. During the Great War, Denmark, like Holland, remained neutral, and has recently re-expressed ‘its adherence to that policy. The Constitution is a democratic one, Christian X being the present King. There is a Senate and a lower House. In 1931 a dispute occurred between Denmark arid Norway, which country had occupied part of East Greenland. The dispute was referred to the Permanent Court of International Justice at The Hague, and the Court ruled in Denmark’s favour. Writing of Denmark in a recent issue of the “Contemporary Review,” Mr.’Paul Olberg states: “She is the Weak and small neighbour of an overwhelming military Power; her system of defence is in no way adequately organised. Danish foreign policy finds armaments useless. It is the old disastrous opinion in Denmark, which, by the v/ay, is opposed by many experts, that Denmark could not stand a conflict .with Germany. The present Government is weakened by the opposition of farmers which goes to help Nazi ideas, and the lamentable unemployment.