Evening star., 1917-02-18
pean neutrals also is undergoing

pean neutrals also is undergoing a
severe strain.
warded to Berlin through Teutonic
diplomats stationed in the capitals of
Norway, Sweden and Denmark note
stating specifically that these countries
will not vouch for results If Germany
persists in her present course OF de-
fiance towards the enlightened opinion
of the whole world and continue to
SIM, their vessels with immunity: In
some circles it is believed that this is
but preliminary to followiwng the
notwithstanding previous Scandinavian
utterances to the contrary.
Norway has suffered more from Ger
man submarine activities than any ma
Great Britain, though she has persist
emily been a neutral power. Other
Scandinavian countries who are largely
dependent on their merchant marines
for commercial success and continued
national prosperity have been made
to feel the pinch of German disregard
for their rights on sea. There appears
unity of action between these coun-
tries. else the latest communication to
Berlin would not have borne Identical
phraseology. The rulers of these north
ern European nations but recently held
prolonged conferences and 1t is believed
certain that the course of these coun-
tries was definitely mapped out at the
time.
x
Spain's course seems to be taking
shape. 1t is believed in London that
Spain will be the
Spain's Course next nation to
cI sever diplomatic
o relations wit h
Germany on account Of submarine ac-
tivities. The Pope at Rome is declared
to have expressed willingness to ap-
prove such a course on the part of
Spain in case the Germans refuse. on
further appeal. to show tendency to-
ward moderation. Such action would
have far-reaching effect in all nations
of the world where there are large
Catholic populations. Spain's plunge.
it is believed in London, certainly
would be followed by action on the
part of other European neutrals with
the possible exception of Holland.
The little nation over which Queen
Wilhelmina presides has been one of
the most grievous sufferers from the
war. Not only has her economic Sys-
tenn been badly disarranged through
Germanic as well as all allied naval
activities, but she has been forced to
feed, clothe and shelter hundreds of
Belgians who have fled over the border
line to escape irksome Germanic ex-
actions put into effect following the
overrunning Of Belgium early in the
war.
Holland is sure to feel Germany's ex-
tended submarine blockade more than
at any other period Much of her shipping
on which she is largely dependent is
being kept in port. Holland, in addition
to all her other trials, has kept her
army mobilized to almost it's full
strength and this has been a decided
drain upon the governments treasury.
Hollands position today is even more
precarious than at any period since
the war started. She is more or less
forced to bear her sufferings, for the
stationing of four German army corp
on the Dutch frontier is said to have
convinced Dutch officials of the mad
visibility of breaking with Germany at
the present juncture.
Holland knows the fate of other
smaller neutrals who have dared invite
German wrath. She cannot afford to
break with the central powers now,
though willing to fight if she thinks
her rights trampled upon. Entente ma
ttons are not inclined to criticize or
find fault with her not acting-Holland,
by the present military alignment.
could expect little assistance from en-
tente powers. The view generally is
held that for Holland to break with
Germany at the present juncture or
until time when the allied armies are
in position to get In active touch with
the forces of the Netherlands the
Dutch nation would be committing
hari-kari.
Greece. long swayed by pro-German
influences, now seems completely under
the thumb of entente powers. Though
the Grecian government formally has
made protests against the sinking of
Grecian ships this action is believed to
have been largely dictated by entente
ofilcials who apparently are guiding the
course OF the Grecian government.
Therefore the protest is not as signif-
icant as II might have been had Greece
decided wholly for herself. Nevertheless.
Germany possibly may be faced by an