THE EX-KAISER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19876, 18 February 1920, Page 3

THE EX-KAISER.

ALUED REPLY TO HOLLAND POWERS RENEW THEIR DEMAND. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Coble Association. LONDON, February 17. The Powers, in their reply to the j Netherlands Government’s Note in rg- 1 gar cl to the cx-Kniser, points out the immense sacrifices they made in the general interest during the war, which entitle them to ask for reconsideration of the refusal for extradition, based ou weighty but entirely personal .considerations of a State which held aloof from the war and cannot, perhaps, appreciate quite accurately all the present duties and dangers of the present hour. The Powers emphasise the gravest political effects to which the relinquishment of the claims of justice against the ex-Emperor will give rise, and renew their demand. They point out that their request does not depend on Dutch municipal law. There is no question of prestige at stake. The Powers pay as much heed to the conscientious sentiments of a State with liimted interests as to the mature decision of the Great Powers. It was contemplated that the trial would prepare the way for a world tribunal competent to examine international crimes and demonstrate the unanimity of feeling animating the conscience of all nationsThu Powers point out that the Netherlands Government apparently does not consider it shares w'ith other civilised nations the duty of securing the punishment of crimes for which William of Hohenzollern undoubtedly bears a heavy responsibility. They then dwell on the influential, representative character of the Note demanding surrender, and sa;?: “ Surely the Netherlands has net forgotten that the policy and personal action of the. man required for judgment cost the lives of approximately ten million persons, murdered in the prime of life, and are responsible for the mutilation and shattered health of thrice that number, the devastation and destruction of millions of square miles of territory in countries formerly industrious, peaceable and happy, and the oiling tin of war debts running into billions, of which the victims are men who defended their freedom, and incidentally Holland’s. The economic and sc®al existence of nations lias been thrown into confusion, and now is jeopardised by famine and want, all of which are the terrible results of the war of which William the Second was the author. The Allies cannot concen] their surprise at not finding in the Hutch reply a single word of disapproval of the crimes committed by the Emperor, crimes which outrage the most elementary sentiments of'humanity 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 wanilesl a lions-which followed on Holland’s refusal, and the dangerous encouragement given the opponents of the ]ust chastisement of culprits, whatever their social position mav lie. The Powers remind Holland that if she persists in her refusal she must assume direct responsibility for sheltering a criminal, and tor that propaganda so dangerous to Europe and the whole world. It is indisputable that the perpresence of tho ox-Emperor. under fatally ineffectual supervision at a spot a few kilometres from the German frontier, where_ he continues the centre of active and increasing intrigue constitutes for the Powers that made superhuman sacrifices to destroy this mortal danger a menace they cannot be called on to accept. The Powers declare that the rights they possess in virtue of the most°exTross principle of the laws of nations entitle them, and make it their duty, to take such measures as are required for their own safety. The Powers cannot conceaj the painful impression made by' Holland s refusal to hand over the ex-Kaiser. Mifhout considering the possibility of reconciling Holland's scruples with effectual precautionary measures, either on the spot or boldine the Emperor at a distance from the scene of his cranes, making it impossible for him to exert a'disastrous influcnce in Germany in future, such proposal would not fully correspond with tho Powers’ request, hut would at least afford proof of the feelings which Holland must possess. The Powers urge on Holland in the most solemn pressing manner the importance attaching to fresh consideration of the request to emphasise how grave the situation might become if Holland were not in .i position to give those assurances which the safety of Europe imperatively demands.