The Taihape Daily Times AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1916. HOLLAND.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 86, 10 April 1916, Page 4

The Taihape Daily Times AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1916. HOLLAND.

i,With which is incorporated The Tai hape Post and Waimarino News.)

The attention of the whole world is, for the time being, centred on Holland, for, whether that country goes to ; war compulsorily in self defence, or. of her own free will all indications seem to point to the conclusion that to; war she must go. If it is compulsion through seizure of her territory, then Britain knows as much about ■What is going on as she does and concerted action is, in all probability, in .progress to meet it. The same will bei the case if Germany makes use of Dutch territory either in crossing to : meet "an enemy or is forced over the borders in fleeing from one. If, on the other hand, Holland is contemplating war by throwing in her lot with the Allies, then it is the clearest indication that the end is very near at hand. For of all nations that have joined the Entente she would have the mcst to lose' from an invasion by Germany. She has refused to send her ships to sea conveying incapacitated prisoners, which means the minimum of risk will be taken in crossing the mine sown channel; that less ships will carry contraband, and it may be presumed that Scandinavian shipping companies will take no undue risks, and that therefore all vessels travelling without government cognisance will be suspected of carrying goods for Germany and will invite thereby .particular attention. This all helps to draw the blockade closer. But Holland has almost unimpeachable .reasons for maintaining a policy of exact neutrality. She is bordered on the long eastern frontier for twothirds of its length by Germany. It would be hopeless to attempt holding a three hundred miles frontier against forces that Germany might bring to bear. Holland would defend as long as possible then fall back upon her river works which defend that part of the country in which her largest and most important cities are situated 1 . Holland would have no hesitation in cutting dykes and flooding the whole country. The Dutch are, notably, good fighting men, perhaps as fierce in that respect as any that Germany can put against them. Their preparations for a surprise from any quarter are perfect, for in the general mobilisation in 1914, Holland was easily first in the field. Within fortyefght hours she had three hundred thousand men at their posts ready for action. At the present time she is a power that mucst not be underestimated for she will certainly have over half a-million men fully equipped and ready for any work that may be found for them to do. Owing to her territory junctioning with Germany on both East and South it will, however, be seme oxreme only that will drag he? into hostilities. That Holland *s frendly to England there seems no shadow of doubt, and when cnee the first shot is fired, her fro me will seen be working in, accordance with the Allies’ coordinated arrangements, lor it is impossible not to asmmo that all .such probabilities have not entered fully into accepted future movements.