THE EX-KAISER.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11990, 29 January 1920, Page 6

THE EX-KAISER.

HOLLAND'S REPLY TO ALLIES,

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Jan 28, noon. London, Jan 24 The Daily Express’ Hague correspondent reports that Holland’s reply to the Allies, regarding the exKaiser, states that the Netherlands was not a party to the Peace Treaty, and it cannot view the questions raised by the Powers, except from the viewpoint of its own duties. Government had na concern in the origin of the war, and with difficulty maintained its neutrality to the end, therefore it faces the facts of the war in a mannar differing from the former belligerents. It energetically refutes all suspicion of wishing to cover by its moral authority violations of the essential principles of the solidarity of nations. If a future international jurisdiction is created by the League of Nations, competent to judge facts qualified as crimes and punishable hy statute, it rests with Holland to associate herself with the new system. Government cannot in the present instance recognise any other duty than that imposed by the laws of the State and national tradition. These have made Holland at all times a refuge for those vanquished in international conflicts, and do not allow the Netherlands Government to accede to the Powers’ request to withdraw from the Emperor the benefit of those laws and that tradition. This would be contrary to the laws of honour of the nations, respect for which is a sacred duty. The Netherlands people cannot betray the trust of those who confide themselves to its free institutions. The Netherlands hopes that the Powers will recognise the soundness of these considerations, which are above all personal considerations.