Medal commemorating Dutch trade restrictions during the First World War. Obverse: Two destroyers steaming zigzag fashion, a torpedo being launched at one of them and others in the distance convoying a sailing boat (centre) loaded with merchandise; another astern sinking. Legend: 'NOT . LEHRT STEHAN' (N.O.T. taught to steal). Reverse: Two men, England (John Bull) and America (Uncle Sam) walking along the shore, each carrying a model boat, one inscribed 'HOLLANDIA'. Legend: '1918'. As a neutral power the Netherlands was under pressure from both Germany and the Allies. In 1918, America requisitioned all Dutch shipping in American ports leading to an outcry in the Dutch press. Faced with food shortages the Dutch Government sent a convoy of merchant vessels to the East Indies leading to disagreement with the British. The Dutch syndicate (Netherlands Overseas Trust) had been set up to control the re-export of Dutch imports by agreement with the allies in the early stages of the war. During 1918, worried by the loss of its imports, N.O.T. tried to renew its semi-official relations with Britain.