Message to the government of the Netherlands, pledging that Germany will respect the integrity and territory of the Netherlands, as long as the Netherlands remains neutral in any European conflict

DECLARATION BY THE GERMAN MINISTER, COUNT VON ZECH, COMMUNICATED TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN THE PRESENCE OF THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON 26TH AUGUST 1939
We are resolved, in accordance with the traditional friendly relations existing between the two countries, and in appreciation of the known Netherlands policy of Independence, to maintain an attitude towards the Netherlands which under no cir-TC-40
cumstances prejudices the inviolability and integrity of the Netherlands and at all times respects Netherlands territory. But we also naturally expect on our side the Netherlands to observe an unimpeachable neutrality towards us in the event of any conflict. It is of first importance in this connection that Holland shall not tolerate any breaches of her neutrality which may be committed by a third party, but shall oppose them with all the means at her disposal. Should the attitude of the Netherlands in the case of such a breach of neutrality by a third party differ from this, we should obviously be compelled to defend our interests in such a way as the resulting situation might dictate.
Voor eensluidend afschrift:
De Minister van Buitenlandsche Zaken,
Voor den Minister,
De Secretaris-General
(Signed)
Certified at the Netherlands Embassy for legislation of the
foregoing signature of Jhr. A. M. Snouck Hurgronje, Secretary
General of the Netherlands Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
LONDON, 5th October 1945 ,0.
' (Signed)
. Netherlands Ambassador