THE POSITION OF HOLLAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1754, 1 September 1917, Page 2

THE POSITION OF HOLLAND.

DANGERS that threaten Holland were recently mentioned by the Queen of the Netherlands and discussed by the British Secretary of State for War, Lord Derby. In a Speech from the Throne to the States-Gencral on -June 28th, Queen Wilhelmina,said: —“1 f this year again passes without (he conclusion of peace, so ardently desired by millions, manifold sacrifices will continue to lie demanded of the Netherlands people. Although, thanks to the new taxes, the financial situation gives no ground for anxiety, a considerable strengthening of the finances is nevertheless unavoidable. 1 warmly thank the army and navy, which for so long have held themselves ready to defend our independence. Our relations with foreign Powers are favouvithlo. There iu*o inmiy vcasojis for gratitude, hut let us not foi'get |bat as long as the war is waged dangers threaten (he country, and the people may again he called upon to use their utmost strength tor (heir liberty and independence. ‘May God guard them/ is my earnest prayer.” A few days later, Lord Derby gave an interview to the London "correspondent of the Handelsblad. “There is no question of Great Britain’s frying to strike at Germany through Holland. So long as Holland remains nenira! wo shall respect her neutrality,”’ said Lord Derby. “Utterances sneb as Count Roventlow’s are merely the German preparalion for a pretext to fall upon Holland. Your people must ask themselves whether Germany will always respect the neutrality of Holland, ho know that Holland is passing through very difficult limes, and also how she maintains her neutrality. We understand here lully that she wishes to maintain this neutrality.” In conclusion, and speaking with great emphasis, Lord Derby said: —“We respect Holland because, she maintains her neutrality. I can assure you. positively that we shall do nothing to induce Holland to abandon it. No danger threatens Holland from the sea, but danger threatens her from the land. In political circles in Great Britain, and certainly in British military circles, (here exists not the slightest feeling of ill-will towards Holland. Wc even hope that our friendly relations will be stronger after the war than they are now. If there has been any anxiety in Holland on account of German press statements, I can assure you that any such anxiety is unnecessary.”