THE DEFENCES OF HOLLAND.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1031, 21 January 1911, Page 7

THE DEFENCES OF HOLLAND.

AIMED ONLY AT BRITAIN. " HAVE THE DUTCH JOINED TRIPLE! ALLIANCE? FRENCH JOURNAL'S COMMENT. By Telegraph—Pres3 Association—Copyright. (Rec. January 20, 9.55 p.m.) Paris, January 20. Tho "Journal des Debats,". in commenting upon the proposed fortification of the port of Flushing, states that the Dutch defences aro exclusively (lesjgned against an attack by sea. In other words, on the theory that one Power alone, namely, Britain, is a 'possible aggressor. Tho newspaper adds that tho statement by M. Pichon, French Minister fo"r Foreign Affairs, claimed that those guaranteeing' Belgium's neutrality were entitled to exchange their views and adopt precautions in the event of tho fortification of Flushing, and thus prevent themselves from being taken by surprise if Belgium appealed for tho fulfilment of tho guarantee. No menace to Holland's independence was ever intended. The newspaper "Le Temps" declares that' Holland, has .nothing to fear from Britain in the event of a European war if sho' is not/bound to Germany, but, if sho takes advantage of-the Powers' divergent views to executo tho scheme, she will thereby notify in tlio plainest possible maimer that she has joined tlio Triple Alliance.