HOLLAND AND VENEZUELA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13874, 7 October 1908, Page 7

HOLLAND AND VENEZUELA.

EXPECTED BLOCKADE. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. Caracas, October 5. President Castro, after informing the Senate of Venezuela that he refused to receive Holland's second Note regarding the expulsion of the Dutch Minister from Caracas, had two attacks of hemorrhage of the lungs, and was carried home helpless. • It is expected that Holland will blockade the two chief ports of Venezuela—La Guayra and Minnacileo—early in November.

Mutual recriminations .by Holland and Venezuela hate led to an acute situation. Strained relations between the two countries culminated in the expulsion of the Dutch Minister (M. de Rett*) from Caracas, au action which gave sttoll deep offence to Holland that warships were sent to the Venezuelan coast. There Were also complaints by Holland of interference with Dutch •fthit"'iug< The Venezuelan Government, for its part, communicated to Holland several alleged insults to Venezuela, including " the fact that the Dutch cruiser Uelderland failed to salute the Venezuelan flag, and the desecration of the consular shield." The blockade is the only method left to Holland of bringing the Republic to book. Any military occupation is precluded by the Monroe doctrine.