File No. 763.72119/38
The Chargé d’Affaires in the Netherlands (Langhorne) to the Secretary of State
The Hague, November 19, 1914.
[Received December 7.]
No. 170]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith an article published in the Gazette de Hollande, containing a translation of an editorial which appeared in the Amsterdam Algemeen Handelsblad, one of the leading papers in Holland, on the 16th instant.
This article has been widely copied in European papers and has caused much discussion here. The prevailing opinion in The Hague is that it is a very good piece of journalism, but that such action at present would be premature.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure]
Article from the “Gazette de Hollande” November 17, 1914
An eloquent appeal for mediation in the great world struggle is made by the Algemeen Handelsblad, in the course of which our contemporary writes:
Nation after nation is being drawn into a struggle whose continuance can serve no ideal end, whilst it is slaying or destroying the noblest youthful powers of Europe and leaving only the names of some famous towns on the map. The sufferings of hundreds of thousands are becoming unbearable. Human woe is rising to heaven, witnessing against religion and civilization.
Is not the moment come to attempt to save what there is yet to save? Two countries are indicated for this task, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of the United States of North America . . . and now is a favourable moment to offer their mediation. The Minister of the United States here is now on his way to Washington, where he enjoys the full confidence of the American Government. Our Queen is honoured, is popular in America. Our Minister for Foreign Affairs is generally known and esteemed in the Republic. Cannot both Governments now, under these favourable circumstances, together prepare for the task of offering their mediation? A like opportunity to that now offering will certainly not easily recur. A powerful word can be spoken, and it would prove to the great honour of our country if coming generations were able to testify that it was Holland’s Queen who had had the high courage to first speak the word that showed the peoples of Europe the way to a lasting peace. . . .