§ 7 and 11. General CROFTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that Mr. Kroeller is the principal adviser of the Dutch Ministry of Trade and Agriculture on the distribution of foodstuffs in Holland; whether he is Largely responsible for the Dutch agricultural produce which goes to Germany; is he further aware that Mr. Kroeller has made a very large fortune out of the War, and it has repeatedly been stated in various Dutch newspapers that he is openly hostile to the British Empire; whether representations will be made to the Dutch Government with reference to this matter; (2) whether his attention has been called to the fact that when an arrangement was made between the British and Dutch Governments that potatoes should be exported from Holland in equal quantities to England and Germany, when the time arrived Mr. Kroeller ruled that this could not be done, that no potatoes could be sent to England but everything to Germany as they must have coal; and whether a request will be made to the Dutch Government to remove Mr. Kroeller from his present position as adviser to the Dutch Government?
§ Lord R. CECILI understand that Mr. Kroeller holds the position to which reference is made, and I presume accordingly 1807 that he is consulted in all matters concerning the export of Dutch produce. With regard to the export of potatoes, the quantity which Holland sent to the United Kingdom last year was, I understand, greater than that sent to Germany. On the other points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend I must point out to him that it is, generally speaking, undesirable to make representations to a foreign Government on such matters.
§ General CROFTIs Mr. Kroeller a member of the firm of Mullers, and during the first two years of the War was he in this country and was he received in various Government Departments with confidence?
§ Lord R. CECILI cannot speak as to the last part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question. I do not know. I cannot speak as to what happened during the first two years of the War without inquiry. As to the other part of the question, he is certainly a partner of Messrs. Mullers and Company, and I am not here to defend Mr. Kroeller.
§ 8. General CROFTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mr. Kroller's steamers of the Batavier Line have for a considerable time been prevented from sailing to England and continue to lie alongside the quay at Rotterdam; and whether any action is to be taken in the matter?
§ Lord R. CECILSome ships of the line referred to are laid up—presumably owing to the fear of war risks. The whole question of Dutch shipping is now under consideration.