He could not find a satisfying answer to the anti-German attitude of the Dutch. Van Walsum gave ignorance as main reason. Today's youth is not taught enough about German history and is simply not informed about German society. However, a poor education can not be the only reason for apparent anti-German sentiments. It is quite normal to have a structural field of tension within the relations of a small country and a big neighbour.
Many factors play a role in the Dutch attitude towards Germany.
The economic relations are important for both the Netherlands and Germany. Dutch education deserves special attention with regards to German history, culture and society. Co-operation is needed more and more instead of confrontation. The relationship may be complicated, especially when traumas of the past are still vivid. Germany should not be the blind spot in the eyes of the Dutch but a neighbour with whom a good relationship must be strived for.