THE EX-KAISER.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1919, Page 12

THE EX-KAISER.

WILL HOLLAND GIVE HIM UP ; Opinions are very varied as to whether Holland will or even can give up the ex-Kaiser, owing partly to legal difficulties in applying the extradition law. Consequently, when one report asserts that he will be handed over, it is often promptly followed bv a denial. 4. recent statement was to th e effect. that the ■Dutch authorities regarded the Hohcnzollerns merely as visitors, and that they were free to return to Germany at any time. A few weeks ago a correspondent in Amsterdam wrote to the Manchester Guardian as follows.— _ I think T mav say, without ing, that the whole Dutch nation," with the exception of a few people in responsible positions, has completely forgotten that the ex-Kaiser lives iii Holland. Nobody ever gives him a thought and whenever I asked a question about him my friends were genuinely surpried to hear me talk about something which m their mmds has been a thing of The past.for a long time already. That the Allies may ask for the ex-Emperor's extradition, and that this matter may involve Holland in difficulties, docs not seem to trouble the Dutch in the least } hey treat the subject with the utmost indifference, and the way in which they brush.it aside clearly implies their desire to talk about "more serious questions.

It will perhaps be objected that if the Dutch nation as a whole is so nttory indifferent, the men who are at the helm of the State, and who must be aware of what the Kaiser problem may eventually mean for Holland, cannot be without apprehension as regards the future course of events But havino- j, a d the opportunity of discussing the exKaiser's trial with highly placed personages in close toucli with the Government, and who are in a position to know ii Z'lT' i havc come t0 t,le inclusion that the Dutch rulers are not in the east disturbed by the agitation in Allied countries, and that they are awaiting further developments' with the greatest possible calm. The Dutch Government—there is now not the slightest doubt about it-will ndt give up the ex-Kaiser should the Allies make a demand for his extradition. It has been suggested lately that the Allies will not press their 'claim for extradition, but will ask Holland to "surrender" the fugitive to them. Thcv hope that in this way the Netherlands will not be able to refuse to deliver the ex-monarch on the grounds of their extradition laws. The Dutch Government are not prepared to accept such a distinction, and they will not be influenced hv it when announcing their decision. Neither will Holland be found willing |„ hand over the ex-Kaiser in order to propitiate" the feelings of the Allies. ihe Dutch Government are pursuing a Dutch policy in international affair-* They are not inclined to follow in the wake of any Power or group of Powers Their attitude in international politics will, be inspired bv Holland's speml position in the midst of clashing interests and rival countries. , » •• But, it will be asked, supposing the Allies bring pressure to bear on Holland after her refusal to extradite the o-. Kaiser, what will be her attitude v Will she not give him up then, be it under normal protests? T mn ,]e this suction to one of mv informants '"'~T-j e smiled, and then rather indignantly \» T\ : ii C »" ! m, , bc]i "'<' f"r one moment that Holland, when she has made up her mind to refuse extradition, will yield to intimidation v No, certainly not T do not imagine that the Allies will'ever take such a course, but if thev do-well it will have only one result, it will stiffen our resistance." I

Holland lias not changed the attitude she had taken up from tlio very bo«inmn S of the war. AH j lPr nct io ns ,y or[l and will he guided by her international obligations and her respect for her own law?. The problem of the Kaiser doo=s not constitute an exceptional case as far as Holland is concerned. The Dutch Government will therefore consider the question of principle onlv. and nothing etee. They cannot he influenced by sentimental reasons, which are ohlv' tcifiporary, whereas the sanctity of the law remains sterna!