Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-27
DUTCH HIT HARD
BY U. S. EMBARGO
Situation Threatens Serious
Strain to Relations Of
Two Nations
PREMIER ASKS FAIR PLAY
BY JOHN J. BRUNA
CCopyrisht. 1917. by the United Prcssl
THE HAGUE, Nov. %.

a serious strain in the additionally
friendly relations between Holland and
America looms large today
Strict enforcement of Americas export
Restrictions has affected. not only the
stomachs and minds of the Hollandcrs. but
has tempered their high regard for demo-
cratic America. Diplomatic negotiations are
now in progress. Meanwhile public senti-
ment in Holland is daily becoming more
bitter against America for what is regarded
here as an incomprehensbly heartless atti-
tude.
Realizing that the situation presented 20
Holland by the American embargo restiic-
.ions--a matter of actual life ana death
here--is. little understood in the niteu
States the correspondent of the tinted
press today sought the Dutch point Of view
from the man best situated to outline il. Dr.
Cort Van der Linden. Premier Of the
Netherlsnds.
In a phrase. as he expressed it, Holland
desires only that America shall apply TO her
President wilson's own announced principle
of fair treatment TO small nations ana re-
spect of their rights.
Hollands grand old man has hereto
fore refused all interviews since the star
of the war. But he was eager to give Hol-
lands version Of her difficulties with ihc
.
aDpeal to the American people. lie said Hoi-
lands feeling of resentment against Amer
lea was elsy to explain
I'VE Dutch Nationals" he continued.
.tnreservedly believed President Wilson'S
idealistic messages.
They found a warm response in our
country Therefore wo do not understand
Americas attitude toward n nation striving
for perfect neutrality and trying 10 save
the nucleus Of International law by rH-
mindng belligercntS violating her rights
or interests Of the rules which the best
and most responsible lawyers In the world
Icodified America--the America which
took leading part IN this work Of civsliza-
tion--now detains the ships Of small ncu-
trails. She withholds foodstuffs and raw
materials. Afser q time there will be no
bread left in Holland and unemployment
will reach Il proportion dangerous 10 the
public order.
"Do YOU wonder, then that this nation
resents Americas policies? Reseuts Amer
icas policy Of guarantees that imported
cereals shall not be re-eNported when they
are, in fact. consigned TO the Dutch Gov
ernment, through the Netherlands overseas
Trust. We resent this policy when the
best guarantee Of our good faith Is the
fact that we ourselves need these supplies
so badly"
The Premier paused. vigorously cmpha-
sizing his point. Then he looked out Of his
office in the historic building. the facade
of which for centuries has been reflected III
the water surrounding the scat of tho
Counts of Holland. ii seeking to arrange
his thoughts,
Premier Van der Linden is the only Prime
Minister in Europe who has held his position
as governmental leader unlnterruptcdly :
through the whole war. He IS beloved Of
Holland. His name Is connected with one
of the most important reforms d the Dutch
constitution since Holland regained her in
dependence. \ former university professor.
he has been "A leading spirit Of the Govern
ment. n symbol Of the national conS''ion'"
in the war and Il leader whose policies have
been indorsed by u unanimous Parliament.
He typifies tho Holanders' hope that the
nation may emerge from wartime with full
independence and with national integrity
strengthened by clean conscience--n mental
ly prepared for tho peaceful! s'rusGl" "
come.