A spy's paradise? German espionage in the Netherlands, 1914-1918

During the First World War The Netherlands were extremely important for espionage by the warring states. They used the neutral territory as spring-board for infiltration and propaganda, but they were interested in Holland itself too. This article deals with German espionage related to The Netherlands. German agents were active both to gather information on the Entente and to know more about the Dutch defence and the Dutch political and military intentions. The Dutch Military Intelligence used the police to observe and stay in touch with foreign spies. Through these channels information was exchanged, as it was also in Dutch interest to inform the warring states that the country would never choose sides and their defence was credible. Also, the Dutch wanted to avoid possible dangerous political complications as a result of foreign activities on their soil.