HOLLAND’S REFUSAL

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1920, Page 3

HOLLAND’S REFUSAL

TO HAND OVER KAISER. r AUSTRALIAN * N.Z.. CAULK ASSOCIATION (f.’EB PIIESB ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.) LONDON, Jan. 23. Holland has now despatched to .the •Allies a reply to their Note demanding the surrender of the ex-Kaiser. Holland declines to acede. She is basing her attitude bn her treaty rights. The reply, however., indirectly hints that Holland might reconsider her decision if the League of Nations as a whole, were to request thb Kaiser’s extradition. THE HAGE, Jan. 23. In refusing to surrender the Kaiser, Holland contends, that she is not bound by the Peace Treaty. She points out that she is not a party to the Treaty. She adds that the surrender of the Kaiser would also he against the Dutch •Constitution and the traditions of the nation.

PARIS, Jan. 23. It is understood that llolland’s reply regarding the ex-Kaiser amounts to a tentative refusal, she raising the technical .point that it is impossible 1 to order the Kaiser’s extradition except at a request from Germany. BERLIN, Jan. 23. The Pan Germans are sending the Kaiser, on his birthday, an address sympathising with him in the dark days and hard trials he is now suffering and assuring His Majesty that their loyal monarchial feelings are unshaken.

(Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 24. The Austrian Press understands Holland’s refusal tq surrender the ex-Kai-ser did not surprise official circles, but the Note must not be regarded ns closing the matter. It is considered unlike Iv that the Supreme Council will recede from its position. Probably a protraetTed exchange of notes will ensue and Holland may be invited to participate .—•’in a direct consultation before the matter is finally settled. It is likely that the Supreme Cpuncil’s immediate reply will point out that the Council, as the recognised body representing the Allies is itself the nucleus of the League of Nations. The suggestion that Ger-._--mr,ny should be asked to demand the surrender, meets with general disfavour for although the ex-Kaiser’s presence ip Germany would enable the Allies to demand his extradition under the Treaty, it is feared it might lead to a revival of the monarchist feeling. If the efforts to secure extradition- fail,

Holland may be asked to intern the exKaiser under- a Dutch and Allied guard. The French prpss indignantly resents Holland’s action and insists that the extradition must be enforced. .The papers point out that the refusal was announced simultaneously with conclusion of +hp Dutcli-Glermany economic PKVPeGerman newspapers show undisguised satisfaction. The “Vorwaerts” pays a tribute to Holland’s boldness The pan-German press is jubilant .