Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-01
Northumberland
The Latter's Struggle for
Maritime Greatness.
WHAT A DIPLOMAT SAYS
Statistics of the Little Country's
Commerce and Resources.
POSSIBILITY OF ABSORPTION
POSSIBILITY OF ABSORPTION
Elements of Durable Union Lacking.
Neutral Dutch Maritime Trade
of Value to Germany.

Germanys struggle for maritime great
ness is forcing her to look to Holland as
an outlet for her naval forces, according
to an interview given by a European
diplomat TO a Star representative. When
asked why, the diplomat explained that
as Germany's only hope for securing a
naval base in the Mediterranean basin
has vanished, on account of the entente
cOrdiale between France. England and
Italy. she must plan her naval campaign
! in the North sea and in the north *Of Eu-
rope.
1T is not likely however. that Germany
will succeed" said the diplomat. in part.
Holland is little country. both in area
and population. but her commerce and
her resources per capita and per square,
mile make statistics which are envied by
some Of the larger countries.
She has no expenses for armament and
other warfare preparations. secure in the
belief that England and France will look
out for her interests In case she should
become in any way involved.
"A keen analysis of the position of Hol-
land with regard TO Germanys am
billions has been and is weighty diplo-
matte problem. The Dutch. after all. are
half German. while there are some thirty
thousand and more Germans in Holland.
The trade between the two countries is
increasing in volume-faster in fact. than
between Holland and either France or
England
Germany May Absorb.
But 1T is just because the Germans
who settle in Holland assimlate all Dutch
ideas and become absorbed in the popula-
ton that the fear arises that Germany
may annex the little country at some
early day. England was the first country
to believe that such a course was one of
the goals OF the German imperial policy.
The United States has also thought so:
In fact. there is not power that does not
look upon the question from the same
light.
There has always been some doubt as
to whether such annexation would
strengthen Germany's position. From
military standpoint additional ground is
not only not desirable, but it would be
drawback. AS naval base Germany
would never have free access from any
of its ports. because of the close proximity
of the French and British coasts to Hol-
land.
"A tentative alliance. with Holland is
not considered by politically mature Ger
mans as advantageous. They ARE con-
WINGED most thoroughly that the essential
requirements of durable union are lack
ing, and that the union would in any srea-
sonably near future not be a source Of
first be felt on the economic side, and
military strength comes only in the ANAL
gamatlon of. and increased. economic
strength. Holland Is a Free trade coun-
try. and the causes of this difference are:
irremovable, Holland being predomipantly
commercial and Germany predominantIy
agricultural and industrial.
Holland May Join Greater Tariff
Unit.
"A time may come. however, when
Holland will be compelled to join a great
er tariff unit, and she will turn to Ger
many as matter of course unless
France or some other great power will
offe: Holland better - advantages and
terms than Germany. This point, how
ever. is only possible on the conception
that in spite of the obstacles which exist
at present the European continental
countries might follow the British in the
tendencies now making Roadway among
them and form close commercial areas
with their colonies and other trans
oceanic countries which would unite with
them.
The point referred to by the diplomat is
that England herself might cause the
economic absorption of Holland by Ger
many. because of the tendencies of the
English plan of imperial federation
inaugurated by Mr. Chamberlain.
A neutral Holland. according to the best
authorities on International politics. is of
the greatest possible advantage to Ger
many, but this order would be reversed
in case of alliance or annexation. Even
If tariff union between them were eff
fected this would not be an economic
Strengthening of the empire in time of
war. AS to such union being prelimi-
nary to a political or military union, it is
obvious that military connection with
Holland would impose upon Germany bur-
dens and responsibilities far outweighing
any possible gains.