Reorientation of Policy

Abstract

The German invasion naturally caused the Dutch to do some serious thinking about their future foreign policy.¹ The underground press devoted much space to the subject. The German attack and invasion convinced most Netherlanders that neutrality was “not only dead but also damned.” The change of attitude is indicated by a radio broadcast of Foreign Minister van Kleffens from London on November 25, 1942. He declared to his compatriots that old times were not coming back, that the old policy of no political agreements with any state or group of states could not be resumed. He justified that policy in the past “not really because it corresponded with ideals but because there was nothing better.” The League of Nations had failed; a new approach would have to be tried. “I would be surprised,” he declared, “if an organization based on regions, not neglecting however, the universal element of the indivisible peace, would not perhaps be more effective. Such an organization can only be achieved by the collaboration of like-minded states… If we can establish such an institution on a lasting basis, then, as far as I can see, Holland will have to participate. In that case our security would be better served by collaboration than by non-participation.”