THE EXTRADITION

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 136, 5 December 1918, Page 7

THE EXTRADITION

MORAL CLAJM STRONGER THAN LEGAL ONE BRITISH PRESS COMMENTS. (AUS. AND N.Z. CABLB ASSN. AND BESTIR.) LONDON, 3rd Derember. The Attorney-General (Sir F E. Smith) declares that Our right to press for the Kaiser's extradition on legal grounds is merely subsidiary. We have a much stronger moral claim. Holland must realise that a country which shelters a criminal is scarcely entitled to in-' elusion in the League of Nations. (RETJI»R'B TBLEORAX.) LONDON, 3rd December. The Manchester Guardian comments that the Kaiser's formal abdication was tardy, and the document was executed as recently as last Friday. He issues it umfer "our Imperial seal." The Crown Prince has not so far executed any similar deed, and it is natural to conclude that he reserves his claim as heir to his father, and is waiting the opportunity to enforce it.

The Daily Express, referring to the Allies' demand for the surrender of the Kaiser by the Netherlands Government, says: "The opinion held is that the Netherlands Government will not put any difficulties in the way. "Wjlhelm's position will be analogous to a" pirate or slave trader, who is not granted sanctuary by any country." / The Morndnj?; Post says: "It is poe-' sible that the document purporting to be the formal abdication is genuine, and equally possible that it is nothing of the kind. In either case the instrument contains no word concerning the secession of dynasty, nor. is it counter-signed by any responsible official. It is also worthy of mention that it was signed when popular. clamour arose for the' Kaiser's extradition. The hospitality of Holland has been abused."