The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-11-27
Traditional Friendship of Ma
tiOns Seriously Strained.
Dutch Term American Attitude
UnbeIievably HeartlesS.
WON'T SHIP IT TO GERMANY
Food Shipments Billed to Govt
Under Guarantee.
Grand Old Man of Holland Bit
terly Resents Q. s. Policy.
BY JOHN H. BRUNA.

Copyright 1917 by the United Press.)
The Hague, Nov. PA serious
strain in the traditional friendly re-
lations between Holland and America
looms large today
Strict enforcement of Americas re-
strictions has affected not only the
stomachs and minds of the Holland
ers, but has tempered their high re-
gard for democratic America. Diplo-
matte negotiations are now in prog
ress. Meanwhile, public sentiment in
Holland is daily becoming more Bit
ter against America for what is re-
garded here as an incomprehensibly
heartless attitude.
Realizing that the situation pre-
! sented to Holland by the American
embargo restrictions-a matter of ac-
tual life and death here-is little un-
derstood in the United States, the
correspondent today sought the Dutch
point of view from the man best situ-
ated to outline it-Dr. Cort Van Der
Linden, premier of the Netherlands
Seeks Only Fair Treatment
In a phrase, as he expressed il.
Holland desires only that America
shall apply to her only President Will
sons own announced principle of fair
treatment to small nations and re-
spect or their rights.
/ Hollands grand old man" has
heretofore refused all interviews since
! the start of the war. But he was eager
! TO give Hollands version of her Diff
tlcuItles with the United States. seiz-
ing lne opportunity to appeal to the
american people. He said Hollands
! IeeIng OF resentment against America
| was easy to explain
We Dutch nationals he contfn-
t7e, ue9, unreservedly believed President
| wilson's idealistic messages.
| IneY found q wa YY17 racnov,s,, a.. -.
| country. Therefore, We do not under
stand Americas attitude toward > ma !
ton striving for perfect neutrality ana
irving 70 save the nucleus of inter-
! haeiohaI law by reminding bellfRer-
! ents violating her rights. or interests
OF the rules which the best and most
fled. ~ Noui-
Her Ships Detained by U. S.
America-the America which took
a leading part in this work of ciyiliza-
uon NOW detains the ships of small
! neutrals. She withholds foodstuffs
and raw materials. After a time there
VIII be no bread left in Holland. and
| unemployment will reach a pronor-
ton dangerous to the public order.
DO you wonder then that this ma
ton resents Americas policy? Resents
/ Americas s policy of guarantees thar
! imported cereals shall not be re-ex-
/ ported, when they are in fact con-
| st6Heu 70 tHe Dutcn government. thru
/ the Netherlands overseas trust? we
resent this policy when the best guar
antee of our good faith is the fact that
we ourselves need the supplies so
4 badly"
The premier paused. vigorously en-
phasizing his point Then he Iooked
out of his office into the historic
| building whose facade for centuries
has been reflected in the water sur-
! rounding the seat of the courts of
Holland. as if seeking to arrange his
] thoughts.
Send Dairy Products to Germany.
Premier Van Der Linden is the only
prime minister in Europe who has
! held MS position as governmental
! leader uninterruptedIy thru the whole
war. He is beloved of Holland. His
name is connected with one of the
most important reforms of the Dutch
(Continued on Page Two