ROUTE THROUGH HOLLAND.

Taihape Daily Times, 2 October 1918, Page 7

ROUTE THROUGH HOLLAND.

A semi-official communication issued to the Dutch press with reference to the fear that control over the transit of German goods by train through 'Limburg to and from Belgium is inadequate, states that the fear is absolutely unfounded, and continues: “The trains is question are thoroughly examined by Customs officials at Dahlheim and Hamont before being admitted into Dutch territory. Afterwards they are examined by the military authorities at Ylodrop and Budel before permission is given them to pass through. At Venlo every incoming train is first examined by the military at the frontier, after which it is allowed to proceed to the railway station at Venlo. There, again, the train’s contents are closely examined by a control officer and Customs officials before authorisation is given to proceed. The number of trains coming from Belgium to Germany has also been exaggerated, seeing that in no case are more trains allowed through than is qonipatibie, with the undisturbed working of the Dutch railway service. which at present is brisk on the line Roermondweert for the transport of Limburg coal. At present about 22 Dutch trains go in both directions, as against 10 German. The service arrangements allow for a possible increase of German trains to 24 per day, but this is in any case to be the maximum. If the trains go via Venlo their number is deducted from the maximum which can be allowed to go via Vlodrop. Prior to the war the number of trains destined for transit on this latter section was about 24 each way, while the number of Dutch trains amounted only to eight or nine. The arrangement now made with Germany is such that the transit of trains may not exceed the peace level.