GERMANY AND HOLLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16039, 4 October 1915, Page 4

GERMANY AND HOLLAND.

The growing feeling of the Dutch people that they are dependent for their future liberties upon the downfall of Germany and the success of the Allies is evidently exciting concern in Berlin. German intrigues and influences in Holland have been powerless to prevent popular expressions of satisfaction at recent Allied successes or to curb increasing freedom of comment in the press. The ease with which Holland could be over-run by a triumphant German host depends upon a frontier which equally exposes Germany to attack through Holland if the Dutch joined the advancing Allies. The German Government, speaking through its Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, feels it necessary not only to assert that it has no idea of "prejudicing" the political and economic independence of Holland, but also to insist that "England must be prevented from laying hands on Belgium" as a result of the war. This preposterous suggestion is a part of the German pretence that it was compelled to invade Belgium owing to a conspiracy between Brussels, Paris and London to attack the gentle and peace-loving Kaiser. The Dutch press has treated with derision the alleged proofs offered by Germany from documents found at Brussels, pointing out that the documents actually prove the complete innocence of the Belgian Government of any offence except anxiety to preserve strict neutrality. In suggesting designs upon Belgium by England, coupled with the statement that the relations of the plundered country to Germany after the war cannot now be set forth, the German minister obviously intends to, create suspicion of Britain in the Dutch mind at the same time that he builds a

bridge by which Germany, may retreat from an' impossible position. Not very long' ago the avowed intention of Germany was to make Belgium an " appanage," nominally a* punishment for the pretended " conspiracy," actually in pursuance of the. Kaiser's dream of plunder and conquest. We shall next hear of some German-inspired attempt to make peace upon conditions involving mutual withdrawal from all occupied territory and the resumption of the aimed truce that existed before the war. In consequence of her growing . embarrassments such a futile peace would be most acceptable to the Kaiser, as it would give him the longed-for opportunity to reorganise his military resources and renew his aggression at a more favourable opportunity.