HOLLAND’S REFUSAL

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1920, Page 3

HOLLAND’S REFUSAL

. TO HAND OVER TIHEI ivAISER

(By Electric Telegraph—Co ivright.s (Received this day at 12.25 p.m) LONDON, Jan. 24.

The “Daily Express” Hague corre* spondent reports that Holland’s reply to the Allies regarding the ex-Kaiser, states the' Netherlands was not a party tl> the Peace Treaty, and it cannot vlfew questions raised by the Powers, except from the viewpoint of her own duties; Government had no concern in the origin of the war, and with difficulty maintained its neutrality to the end. Therefore it faces the facts of the war in a manner differing from the former belligerents. It energetically refutes all suspicion of wishing to cover, by its moral authority, violations of the essential principles of solidarity of the nations. If, in the future, international jurisdiction is. created by the Teague of Nations, computed to judge the° facts qualified as crimes and punishable by statute, it rests with Holland to associate herself with the new system. Government cannot, in the present instance, recognise any • other duty than that imposed by the laws of the State and national tradition. These have made Holland at all times a refuge for those vanquished in international conflicts, and do not allow the Netherlands’ Government to accede to the Powers’ request. To withdraw from the Emperor the benefit of these laws, and that of tradition, would be contrary to law and honour, the nation’s respect for which is a sacred duty. The Netherlands’ people cannot betray the trust of those who confided themselves to its free institutions. The Netherlands hopes the Powers will recognise the soundness of these considerations, which are above all personal considera- • tions.