THE EX-KAISER

Evening Star, Issue 17279, 18 February 1920, Page 4

THE EX-KAISER

DEMAND FOR EXTRADITION ' REPEATED. Press Association—By Telegraph— Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, February 17. Iho Powers, in their reply to the Netherlands Government's Note to the ex-Kaiser, point out the immense sacrifices they made in the general interest during the war which entitles them to ask for reconsideration of the refusal for extradition, which is based on the weighty but entirely personal considerations of a State which held aloof from the war and cannot perhaps appreciate quite accurately all the duties and dangers of the present hour. The Powers emphasise the grayest political effects to which the relinquishment of their claims for justice against the ex-Emperor will giy e rise, and they renew their demand. They point out that then; request does not depend on Dutch municipal law, and that there is no question of prestige at stake. The Powers will pay as much heed to the conscientious sentiments of a btate with limited interests as to the mature decision of the Great Powers.

It is contemplated that the trial will prepare the way for a world tribunal competent to examine international crimes and to demonstrate the unanimity of feeling_ animating the conscience of all the nations. “

The Powers point out that the Netherlands Government apparently do nob consider that it shares with the other civilised nations the duty of seeming the punishment of the crimes for which Wilhelm Hohenzollern undoubtedly bears a heavy responsibility. They then detail the influential and representative character of the Note demanding the surrender, and state that surely the Netherlands has not forgotten the policy and the personal action of the man required for judgment. He is held responsible for the cost of the lives of approximately 10,000,000 persons murdered'in the prime of life, and also for the mutilation and shattered health of thrice that number ; for the devastation and destruction of millions of square miles of territory in countries formerly industrious, peaceable, and happy; and for the piling up of war debts running into billions, of which the victims are men who defended their freedom and incidentally Holland’s freedom. The economic and social existence of the nations already thrown into confusion is now jeopardised by famine and want, all of which are the terrible results of the war of which William Hohenzollern was the author.

The Allies cannot conceal their surprise at not finding in the Dutch reply a single word of disapproval of the crimes committed by the ex-Emperor—crimes which outrage the most elementary sentiments of Iftimanity and civilisation, and of which in particular so many of the Dutch nation themselves have been innocent victims on the high seas. The reply refers to the reactionary manifestations which followed on Holland’s refusal and the dangerous encouragement given to opponents of the just chastisement of the culprits, whatever their social position may he. ’The Powers remind Holland that if she persists in her refusal she must assume the direct responsibility for sheltering a criminal, and for a propaganda so dangerous to Europe and the whole world. It is indisputable that the premanent presence of the ex-Emperor under fatally ineffectual supervision a few kilometres from the German frontier, where he continues to he the centre of an active and increasing intrigue, constitutes for the Powers that made superhuman sacrifices to destroy this mortal danger a menace they cannot he called on to accept. The Powers declare that the rights they possess in virtue of the most express principle of the law of nations entitle them, and make it their duty, to take such measures as are required for their- own safety.

The Powers cannot conceal the painful impression made by Holland’s refusal to hand over the ex-Emperor without considering the possibility of reconciling her scruples with effectual precautionary measures either on the spot, or of holding the ex-Ernperor at a distance from the scene of his crimes, thus making it impossible for him to exert a disastrous influence in Germany in the future. Such a proposal would not fully correspond with the Powers’ request, but would at least afford proof of the feelings which Holland must possess. The Powers urge Holland in the most solemn, pressing manner to realise the importance attaching to the fresh consideration of the request, and emphasise how grave the situation might become if Holland not in a position to give those assurances which ‘ the safety of -Ear one imperatively demands.