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It was a measure of how desperate the situation had become when a nation as dedicated to European unity as The Netherlands felt compelled to use Arab-style blackmail threats against its European partners, in flagrant violation of Common Market rules. But the fact was that, as the Dutch pointed out, it was also against the rules to refuse to share oil with a Common Market partner in need.
Undaunted by the souring mood of his country, Prime Minister Den Uyl told a Socialist Party rally that he realized the hardships his outspoken can dor on foreign affairs might bring. "I'm not applauding the earless Sundays," he said, "but I am very happy that so many take it in their stride . . . Look how beautiful a city can be without cars. This crisis is a good training for the things we will have to face sooner or later." To which De Telegraaf nastily commented: "Den Uyl's utterances are so much hot air, for Holland has virtually no influence on world politics. He should concentrate on governing the country."