New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-05
Zurich Hears Holland
Masses Troops on
Frontier.
PLEDGE
NOT DOUBTED
Move a Dress Rehearsal"
for Contingencies, Says
Netherlands Official.


London, April 4.-Hollsnd has closed
her German frontier, according to
wireless reports from Zurich, and is
concentrating all her available forces
there.
Tribune inquiries in Dutch quarters
ir London go 20 establish the fact that
the recent excitement and war prepara-
tions in Holland were due entirely 20
the Indignation caused by the latest
German sea outrages.
The highest authority available told
The Tribune that TO question of any
description had recently arisen be
tween the Allies and the Dutch govern
ment.
"The measures taken" he declared,
"probably arose from a certain liveli-
ness both on sea and land. You might
term il a dress rehearsal of what
might happen in certain eventualities.
Neutrals must all be prepared for new
and great developments at any mo-
ment"
Amsterdam. April AZ DO not for
noment suggest there is possibility
that Great Britain intends to land her
new armies on the Dutch coast said
ex-Minister of War Colyn to-day in an
interview. regarding recent mysterious
military preparations in Holland.
I'VE have the assurance OF Britain
that she will respect our neutrality,
and we rely on that assurance. But the
question is, What does Germany think
Of this,
"If the Germans begin seriously to
be afraid Of such a contingency. name
Is. Of the landing of British troops IN
Holland, what influence will that have
on Germany's attitude toward US? We
must assume that she is acquainted
with our defensive capacity. II she
Judges that capacity inadequate, and
considers that British irruptlon into
Germany through Holland is to be
feared. would it then be strange If we
were approached from the German side
with proposals to which We cannot sub
nit. because they would mean the
abandonment of our neutrality towaro
the Allies?
~ know that against this it may be
said that the British will not make
landing in Holland. and that If they
tried we are quite capable OF stopping
a British march eastward or southeast
ward. But that is not relevant: Ihe
question is not what We think, but
what the Germans think"
Jonkherr Colyn added that there was
an increasing possibility of conflict on
both sides, and, while waiting atti-
tude might be adopted toward Great
Britain. something positive should be
done with regard to Germany. he sug-
gested the strengthening OF the Dutch
forces 70 make clear TO Germany that
Holland had the power and the inten-
ton 10 prevent menace TO Germanys
open flank.
Berlin. April 4 Cby wireless 70 Say
Vile, y. Y.).-"During the last few
DAYS" says the Overseas Agency to-
day, "the German newspapers have
published dispatches from Holland re-
garding measures taken By the Dutch
government and the excitement
aroused by these measures, but have
refrained from comment upon the de-
velopments.
"In MONDAYS reviews. however, the
newspapers enter freely into discus
sion of the meaning and importance OF
the events in question. The tone OF the
comment in all cases is one OF aoso-
lutte calm. All the articles agree that
the real cause OF the steps taken by
the Dutch government is not known.
but that most certainly they are not
directed against Germany.
"In this connection. the press ex-
presses appreciation Of the strict neu-
trality the Dutch government has main
tained from the beginning Of the war.
Thus the 'Berlner Tsgeblatt says:
THE Dutch nation has always in the
past kept trade and politics apart, as
scarcely any other nation has done:
The Dutch have held their trade aloof
from sympathies and sntipathies alike.
and have always maintained this prin-
q. rla nnair II encroAch ment.''