Dutch News September 1898

[Borys]

 Netherlands News Sept. 1898

Sept.1;
The battleship HMS King Willem I and the armoured frigate HMS Amsterdam departed Singapore for the New Siss island of Taiwan today. Aboard the King Willem was Assistant Secertary of Foriegn Affairs Daam Bethune-Hesdigneul, Marquis of Maastricht. This now lends support to the rumors of talks between the Kingdoms of Netherland and the government of New Switzerland. Rumor has it the talks were spurred on by the reactions of the Caliph of Cairo to the Australian claims made by both New Switzerland and the Netherlands. When asked about it spokesmen for the Foriegn Minister and the Crown replied "No Comment". But popular opinion seems to in favor of the talks, if true.


Sept.29;
The HMS King Willem I returned to Singapore today from a vist to Tiawan. When Disembarking Assistant Secertary of Foriegn Affairs, Daam Bethune-Hesdigneul, made the following statement::
"On the 15th of September,1898 on behalf of Her Majesty, I signed a treaty with the Government of New Switzerland. Representing the New Swiss was Hans Brinks, of their Foriegn Ministry. This treaty provides that both parties will ensure the save passage of shipping of both parties thruogh the waters of the other. It also provides coaling and repair facilities to each country. This is the first treaty concluded between the Netherlands and another country in this part of the world. Thank you and LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!!!!"
This confirms the rumors of talks between the Netherlands and New Switzerland. It was also reported that talks were being undertaken to an exchange of ambassdors.