SECOND EDITION. THE EX-KAISER.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16035, 28 January 1920, Page 9

SECOND EDITION. THE EX-KAISER.

HOLLAND S REPLY TO THE ALLIES ~ Awtraliaa and K.Z. Cable Association. Received January 28, 1 p.m. LONDON, January 24. The Hague correspondent of the Dailv Express reports that Holland s replv to the Allies regarding the ex-Kaiser states that the Netherlands are not a partv to the Peace .Treaty, and it cannot view the questions raised by the Powers except from the viewpoint of its own duties. The Government had no concern in the origin of the war, and with difficulty maintained its neutrality to nun Lhable by statute it rests with‘Holland to associate herself with the new ■ystera. The Government cannot, in the present instance, recognise any other duty than that imposed bv the laws of the State and her national traditional. These have made Holland at > aIT ‘imes a refuge for those vanquished ’nternational conflicts, and do not allow the end. Therefore, it faces the ■tacts of the war in a manner differing from former belligerents. It energetr • ally refutes all suspicion of wishing fo 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 the Netherlands Government to accede to the Towers' request to withdraw from the T.rniieror the benefit of those laws, and Uiat tradition. This would be contrary L> the laws of honour amongst nations, respect for which is the sacred duty • f Netherlands people, who cannot betray the trust of those who confide themselves to its tree institutions. The Netherlands hopes the Powers will rccogjiise the soundness of these considerations, which are above all personal considerations.