The Netherlands is saddened, and distraught by the slaughtering in this war. We hope that a peaceful solution can be reached to this conflict, and we would like to announce our intention to stay neutral in this conflict. We hope the warring nations will see fit to recognize our neutrality, and allow us the same rights as we had in peace time. We must warn these nations, that any troop movements in our territory, or aggressive actions against our ships, will be considered an act of aggression, and will be treated as such.
-Statement from the Dutch Government to the warring powers