HOLLAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 March 1918, Page 5

HOLLAND.

AMERICA TAKES OVER VESSELS, COMPENSATION TO BE PAID. Received March 23, 5.5 p.m. Washington, March 22. A Presidential proclamation has been issued authorising the Navy Department to take over the vessels of Netherlands registry in American territorial waters for use during the war- Full compensation is to he paid to the owners through the United States Shipping Board. The vessels will be manned, equipped and operated by the Navy Department or the Shipping Board. THE SEIZURE OF SHIPS. London, March 22. In the House of Commons, Lord Robert Cecil said that owing to the non-ratifica-tion of the Dutch agreement the Entent had no option but to make a forced requisition of Dutch shipping. BThe En- ' tente would carry out the step in the least obnoxious manner, and also supply wheat to Holland as offered. New York, March 21. Forty-six Dutch ships have foeen seized here, and many at other ports have also been seized. American naval reservists hoarded the ships and hoisted the Stars and Stripes. The ships were taken over quietly without resistance. Paris, March 21. A Zurich message states that the semiofficial German press announces that Holland will have to hear the consequences of her decision, and must expect a submarine blockade of all her ports. The German Government is exercising the utmost pressure upon the Dutch Government.

ALLIES' DEMANDS HUMILIATING. ' Received March 23, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, March 22. The Foreign Minister declared lie would not withdraw any of his shipping conditions, as he considered the Allies' demands humiliating. FUTILE PROTESTS. Received March 24, 5-5 p.m. Amsterdam, March 23. The newspapers continue to protest against the Entente's shipping proposals, but information in diplomatic circles is to the effect that the Entente Powers have already issued instructions preparatory to taking over the vessels. GERMAN PLANS FORECASTED. Received March 24, 5.5 p.m. New York, March 23. The Allies expect that Germany will allow Dutch ships to reach home ports and then endeavor to bottle them up.