Netherlands is going to return stolen loot to the colonies Netherlands is going to return stolen loot to the colonies Experts say the move by the Dutch government will make the country a leader in repatriating colonial-era objects. Douglas Broom 15 March, 2021 4:00 pm IST Text Size: A+ Dutch state museums and art galleries are set to return thousands of items taken from former colonies in a move that experts say will make the country a leader in repatriating colonial-era objects. New guidelines issued by the government of the Netherlands will be used to determine requests from former colonies and other nations for the return of artefacts. Priority will be given to objects that were stolen by colonial authorities.