DILEMMA OF THE DUTCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 170, 19 July 1915, Page 6

DILEMMA OF THE DUTCH.

IN BULLY'S POWER. NO FEAR FROM ALLIES. MR CHURCHILL STATES THE CASE. ROTTERDAM, July 18. An interview has been given by Mr Winston Churchill to the "Nieitwe Rottcrdannschc Courant." The interview was censored in London. Mr Churchill said that had Antwerp been able to obtain transport along the fk-heldt the city need not have fallen and the Belgians would have been able to have maintained their position along the Nethe instead of the Yser. Holland's neutrality was not one-sided. She nowheld Antwerp closed for the Germane. "Do not misunderstand mc," continued Mr Churchill. "Had the Netherlands allowed a violation of her neutrality she would have been attacked, and perhaps occupied in great part by the Gorman Army. The Allies carefully respected the Netherlands' right as an independent State to consider her own interests. Tlie Allies did not ask for, or even hint at, a passage along the Scheldt. Danger will never threaten from our side. A free Netherlands cannot exist with a Gorman Antwerp. CAGED WILD BEAST. "Thero are possibilities of real danger, because Oormany may be forced to attack Holland." continued Mr Churchill. "Germany is getting into the position of a wild beast in a cage, who sees tho (lames coming nearer and nearer, and jnnkos desperate dashes to left and right. Fortunately you have your good, brave army, and then your wonderful waterline. After this war the position of small States will be stronger than ever. The criminal who has thrown himself on little Belgium will stand after his chastisement as n fearful example." Mt Churchill sidded: "The Allies are going to win. '1 ho world stands open to us. We .an recuperate and strengthen ourselves as often as necessary. Britain's determination and power grow monthly. Men are streaming in. \Ve are unable to equip them as quickly as they offer themselves. MORE WILL FOLLOW. "Our industrial resources are Wing thoroughly orga.ni.scd, and our production of ammunition will lie staggering. Our licet continually grows stronger. The Italians have joined us, and they are fresh. More will follow. "Is it strange." Mr Churchill asked, "that the British were not as strong as the Germans the llrst day? These people have prepared themselves for -JO years. Wo had to expand while we were lighting, and partly improvise.'' The "Nieuwe Courant," commenting on the interview, says it continue Dutch neutrality. There is nothing to fear from England. The interview gives satisfaction in Holland.