Stories from Deli

Opinion in Medan, R.N.G.

Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle, 6 April 1915

A staff member who spent their Easter holiday in Medan had the intention of escaping the constant barrage of war news from Penang but found it impossible to completely avoid the topic. Instead, they aimed to gain a different perspective, that of a neutral observer. They achieved this to some extent by engaging in conversations with Dutch residents and locals who could provide insights into the prevailing local opinions regarding the war.

Friendly Relations

The overall sentiment they encountered in Medan was sympathy towards the Allies and a sense that the German cause was facing difficulties. Pro-German sentiment among the Dutch population seemed rare, with the exception of a newspaper staff member who had special reasons for his stance.

Dutch opinion did not actively favor belligerency, but rather, there was a mutual respect and goodwill towards the British due to their shared history in sports like football and hockey, which fostered amicable social relations.

The introduction of British capital to exploit the natural resources of Dutch colonies, while not met with overwhelming gratitude, was appreciated to some extent. The Dutch might have preferred to develop these resources on their own, but they were not averse to British involvement.

Considering the Dutch memories of the Boer War and the devastation of Belgium, they were not enthusiastic about actively participating in the current conflict. However, if Holland were forced into the conflict, it was clear that they would support the Allies, as the success of German arms would threaten the future of Dutch colonies like Java and Sumatra, especially in light of perceived Teutonic ambitions for world domination. The Dutch favored Belgium and France but had doubts about Russia. Victorious Allies would secure their colonies, while German success would jeopardize them.

Insults to the Dutch Flag

The recent insults directed at the Dutch by the German submarine campaign have stirred resentment. It appears that the Germans either consider the Netherlands insignificant or are actively pushing them towards joining the conflict. This disregard for Dutch sensitivities and the potential consequences for a neutral power is also evident in the actions of individual Germans.

There are cases of goods, like rubber from Sumatra disguised as tobacco, being shipped for German consumption. Additionally, some German sailors who escaped from Singapore and arrived in Sumatra allegedly posed as Swedish subjects, leading to calls for a strict investigation into how they obtained these papers.

The majority of Dutch residents in Medan are opposed to anything that seems like an attempt to force their government into war, given the significant social and economic disruption it would bring. Consequently, they view the activities of the German colony, especially recent arrivals, with growing suspicion and less tolerance.

Escaped Prisonners

Some notable Germans, such as Deihn and Jessen, have been spotted in Medan Hotel de Boer, apparently having traveled from Singapore. There are also concerns about the dwindling business of German-connected local firms due to the Allies’ stricter blockade measures.

In recent times, Germans have become more insular, forming small groups in clubs and hotels where they are discreet in their discussions. While they may not actively seek to cause trouble, their behavior is driven more by self-preservation than a desire to avoid inconveniencing or harming their hosts. This situation has led to a tense and suspicious atmosphere in Medan and Belawan, particularly concerning the actions of the German community.

Would-be voyagers

Germans attempting to board Dutch boats bound for Europe under any pretext face significant challenges. Even if they manage to get on board, the likelihood of completing the voyage is slim, unless they possess thoroughly scrutinized and legitimate documents.

For instance, Mr. Herman Richter, a well-known constructional engineer, shared his experience of being held up in Paris for two weeks before the American Embassy could communicate with Washington and provide him with a proper passport as a naturalized American citizen. During his holiday, he had traveled to France, Switzerland, and the United States but had avoided Germany to prevent the risk of being detained for military service.

In Colombo, there was strict scrutiny of alien enemies, resulting in the detention and internment of a German woman heading to Java to join her American husband due to a lack of proper identification papers. Mr. Richter expressed his hope to visit Penang soon and resume his work there.

German estate managers

The German presence on estates in Medan has become less conspicuous than it was a few months ago. Belgian and British assistants working under German managers have faced challenges, and there were congratulatory remarks for the stance taken by the P.G. (Preservation of the Government) regarding the continued employment of enemy nationals by British companies. The situation was acknowledged as scandalous, but it was explained that significant changes were difficult unless strong pressure came from the Home Board of Directors.

As a result of newspaper exposure, a circular letter was sent to German managers, asking them pertinent questions. These questions aimed to extract admissions that, at the outbreak of the war, the Germans in Medan intended to return immediately to Germany and had since sent substantial sums of money to support the German government in the war effort. The responses to these inquiries were evasive, but the probing questions had a sobering effect.

There was now a reduced inclination to hold celebratory gatherings in Medan, where German nationals would cheer patriotic slogans like “Deutschland uber Alles” and “Hoch der Kaiser.” Such bellicose gatherings had moved to more secluded locations, with organizers realizing that the boisterous beer-fueled celebrations of early war days were no longer welcome in Medan.