GERMANS AND THE SCKELDT.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1917, Page 4

GERMANS AND THE SCKELDT.

(From Charlea Tower.) Amsterdam, Dec 10 I learn to-night that Mr Yan Lseuwen, the member for Utrecht in the Seoond Chamber, will question the Government at the noxt sitting of the Chamber regarding its position as conoerns the Scheldt. Information has reached him to the effect that the German Government has requested (which means demanded) the '■ partial nse of the Scheldt.” I telegraphed from Rotterdam on November 17 that there were indications of severe German pressure being put on neutrals. Sine 3 then I have t'-oeived confirmatory information fiom numerous Eourceg. To-day a Dutchman bolding an influential position referred to »omß commercial agreement which bad been reached, “with Germany’s foot on Holland's neck.” From another well-informed source I learn that a severe crisis was passed throngh about a week ago, " but there may still be trouble after January.” The Nieuwa van den Day recently pointed out that the public was uneasy regarding rumours of far-raaohing diplomatic discussions, end trusted that the Belgian question was uot included. In soma banking circles it ia po’uted out <hat a fresh credit of three mill on pounds just granted to. Germany by the Dutch banks probably peaured the release of the mail boat Koningin Regentes, but 1 have reason to balieve that this cradit was supported by persons unlikely to dfs re to help Germany. At the same time the oredit may will be part of the concessions extorted by Garmiuy by means of her submarine threat. [Cbe Scheldt is the deep-water route leading to tho great port of Antwerp. It paesee through Hoil.tud, and the Gar mans in 1914 compelled Holland to declare it neutral and to close it to belligerent vessels, thus preventing the British Expeditionary Force from landing at Antwerp aud relief from being sent by ihe B itiah Government during the siege. Now Germany apoarantly wishes the Scheldt to be opened to enable her warships and submaticee to move freely between Antwerp aud the North Sea.]