On Monday in the French Chamber M. Pichon said that
the proposed fortification of Flushing by Holland—a fortification which would block the approach to Antwerp, and thus render difficult any operations from the sea in support of the guaranteed neutrality of Belgium—was a suitable subject for conversations with Germany. We should think so too, if we may accept as sincere Herr von Bethmann Hollweg's recent praises of frank discussion as a preliminary to understanding one's neighbours better. But M. Pichon's suggestion has not been received in the spirit in which it was made. The inspired Cologne Gazette replies that Germany does not consider herself entitled to "intervene" in the matter of Dutch defences. This is as though France had proposed some inter- ference with the integrity of Holland. Such a thing is absent from the thoughts, we venture to say, of every Frenchman and every Englishman. Meanwhile we must accept the assurance of the Dutch Government that they have drawn up that scheme of fortification of their own motion, and not through any promptings from outside. But it is evident that it is causing a good deal of misgiving in Holland.
