Holland's Precautions By an Order-in-Council declaring that the international situation
involved the danger of war, Holland's frontier defence units were summoned to their posts on Tuesday. In a broadcast speech the Prime Minister, Dr. Colijn, explained that this was an emergency measure designed to fill the gap between normal defence arrangements and the mobilisation of the Army, but that steps would immediately be taken to make emergency measures unnecessary. He justified his decision by the tension that prevailed in Europe, but asserted that Holland was not directly menaced by anyone ; precau- tions were necessary merely in view of the danger of war elsewhere. Foreign observers, however, will find the Dutch Government's action even more intelligible because of the persistent rumours that have circulated since the beginning of the year, that Germany contemplates an invasion of Holland. Plans for such an attack certainly exist ; if they are ever put into operation, their success will depend largely on overcoming Holland's resistance at one blow, before she can receive any assistance. For that reason her preparedness is a valuable service to Europe at the present time ; plans which depend on surprise may never be operated when sur- prise is lacking, and it is encouraging that the present emergency measures will be given a permanent form. A German occupation of Holland would be a deadly menace to this country.
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