DUTCH SITUATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9958, 30 April 1918, Page 5

DUTCH SITUATION

>SIU 6HD GRAVEL QUESTION

GERMAN AGGRESSION PREPARED FOR.

By Telegraph—Pi<S3 Association—Copyrifrhl Australian end N. 7. flattie A*«oci«.orn> LONDON, April 28.

The ‘'Daily Telegraph's" Hague correspondent s»ys that the Foreign Minister's announcement that the development of the sand and gravel question has apt taken an unfavourable course, but that the situation is serious, is interpreted as meaning that the Government agrees with the German demand, but fears complications with tjie Entente. The public is alarmed by the German newspapers’ sudden wave of threats and advocacy of military ruthlessness.

PARIS, April 28, A prominent Dutchman, in an inter-, view in the "Journal,” says twit a Dutch army of half a million. fs 4h readiness to defend tho nation’s rights 'agavnet' aggression'. There was no reason tq believe that rib negotiations Were on the verge of rupture, He expected that a compromise would be reschch Upon 'Germany'? demands regarding the'Rhino shipping and th® exchange of fpod* llolland, with Germany menacing it on one side, and tbp 'Entente adopting a- firm. attitude on tho other, 1? ‘in sorp straits,

ANXIETY IN HOLLAND AT HUNS’ BULLYING A'fTITUDE. LONDON. Apr}! 28. The "Daily Telegraph’s” correspondent at Rotteydfim states t|lat (fie '‘Qermnnift.” the official organ'of th« Cor.trql Party, deplores that if the wai> lasts Ipng pnqqgb t-he point m u ?t be when Hplland and Switzerr Iqnd will be forced to completely join one or the other group of belligerents. Other German papery gtata that PfMland is in danger of 'becoming a British bridgehead’ towards Germany,Tike Belgium wa§. The correspopf.ent adds: "The Dutch, people show the utmost anxiety owing to Germany's bullying attituße,” THE DIFPICy|Ty^R TQ • vastrallan and N.2. Cable Association. (Received April 39. 7.8 Q p.m.) LONDON, April 28. The “Daily Telegraph's" Rotterdam correspondent qujp-tes the Berlin correspondent of the '‘‘Dotterdarnsoho Oou-ra-nt," who states: "There is a feeling of confidence ip authoritative circles here rggeniing the negotiations with Holland. The Retails are not yet known, but. it is believed that Die affair has been settled. Tb© “Daily Telegraph’s" ilirpespondent adds: An officially inspired message mqang that Germany ig satisfied that it has succeeded in forcing Holland to accede to her demands. Indications in Holland point in Hie same direction, although public feglipg is still tense. Country ‘depositors- oh Saturday withdrew large sums from the banksDQDLANDtT MoGPECTS IN AUGDST. AantmlUn and If-?- Cable A,|X»!aVloi>., (Received. Apr!) ?9, 11.13 p,T»O AMSTERDAM. April 29, Great interest has, been created by the statement of a German offioer: "We will teach yon Dutch * lesson op August ist.-t Keep that date in mind- ■ O.S. MISSIONS LOKOQfI LABOUR’S DKT-m.v.LN.VnON. By Telegraph—Press Association— Oopyrlgh' Australian acd N Z, Cable Assoriatlon . LONDON, April 38. The American Mission was ©itertamed at luncheon at Whitehall. Mr James Wilson, spokesman of the ’Labour section of. the Mission, declared that the American Labour movement would never agree to peace until Prussian militarism withdraw within its own boundaries, and t-hen not until many recognised tha right of civilised nations to self-determination.

A FRANCO-GERMAN AGREEMENT OIF WAR Br T*le«tapli—Press Association— Conjugal Hauler's T<Us«ramA PARIS. April 28. A Pranco-Gorman agreement regarding the treatment of prisoners of war, interned civilians, and French hostages, as veil as dealing with. the situation of the papulation in the invaded regions, was signed at Berne on JVidlay. subject to ratification by both Governmonts. ' KITCHENER MEMORIAL FUHD SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO NEW ZEALANDERSBy Tolcsraph—Pro«« Association—CoPl-rlsm y Beuter’* TolHtram*. LONDON, April 28 Further scholarships awarded by the Kitchener Memorial Fund include the following; Rifleman W. E. Acton, New Zealand’Rifles, at Oxford University : Gunner J- H. Maolean, .Sow Zealand Artillery, Edinburgh University. INDIAN WAR CONFERENCE MESSAGE PROM THE KING. By T«lo«rapt—Pr«» A-woolaUr.ii-Corrrljtil Atu. and NZ. Cable Asm. and E«ot«. (Received April 39, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 38. The Press Bureau states.: The King, in a message to the Viceroy of India for communication to the Delhi War Conference, expresses his gratification at India’s loyalty and determination to prosecute the war to the full limit of its resources, in conjunction with other parts of tho Empire. His Majesty says: “I rejoice that the fuller utilisa-tion-of. India’s, man-power will bo the Conference’s first care.” The King adds: ‘‘The position in the Bast is menaced by disturbances in Asia instigated by the enemy. The operations of our armies in Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia, which are of over-in-croasing importance, should bo largely sustained from India.” The King loolcs with confidence to tho Conference to cheerfully accept the sacrifice without which no lasting victory can be achieved.