File No. 656.119/408
The Minister in the Netherlands ( Garrett) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 6, 1.15 a.m.]
2462. Dutch press publishes today Wolff report from Berlin as follows, presumably official, on Saturday, April 27:
German-Dutch negotiations regarding transport through Holland and Rhine shipping led to agreement in principle on all questions under discussion, including question of transport and export of sand and gravel, Dutch Government agreeing to quantities proposed. [Page 1804] Only one question connected with reopening of goods traffic on Roermond-Hamont railway, still remained to be cleared up. Since then, however, agreement has also been reached on this point, so that matter may be regarded as settled.
Dutch press of same day publishes statement sent yesterday afternoon by Minister of Foreign Affairs to States General of which following is summary:
The tension which temporarily existed between Holland and Germany has been relieved. The points were as follows:
- (1)
- As regards the transport of sand and gravel, which has been stopped since November 15, 1917, the German Government itself has stipulated the quantity of 1,600,000 tons per annum as the maximum permissible amount, hence, the objections raised on principle by the Netherlands Government have lapsed; in fact, figure mentioned was below the amount fixed on by the Netherlands Government as the maximum required for the ordinary maintenance and repair of the Belgian roads. The Netherlands Government was all the more ready to accept this arrangement in view of the fact that the German Government had declared that it was prepared explicitly to guarantee that the imported material would not be used for military purposes.
- (2)
- Free export of gravel from Netherlands to Belgium with maximum of 250,000 tons per month. Netherlands Government had on principle no objections to granting this request respecting a Dutch product which was [not?] subject to any export prohibition whatsoever.
- (3)
- Resumption of goods traffic which had been stopped by German Government itself on railway between Belgium and Germany via Roermond. No objection on part of Netherlands Government could be raised against the resumption of this traffic inasmuch as Holland by virtue of treaty with Germany of 1874 is bound to make this traffic possible. The German Government asked for free transit on this railroad of all goods with three exceptions, aeroplanes, arms and munitions; there was not any mention of transport of troops. The Dutch Government could not, in accordance with its proclamation of neutrality, permit the transit of army stores. The German Government has now expressed its willingness to accept the stipulations laid down by the Dutch Government in this matter.
- (4)
- Simplification and expediting of the measures adopted by the Netherlands Government for the prevention of illegal export on the incoming and outgoing Rhine ships. The Netherlands Government has undertaken to do its utmost to stop the annoying hindrances to free passage in this regard. Further negotiations are proceeding at Berlin.
In conclusion the German Government removes its objection to certain regulations imposed by the Dutch Government on its consular officials in Belgium in connection with the shipment of goods into and through Belgium.