The message was later interpreted by the Dutch as a declaration of war; however from the German side it was at the time seen as a mere warning, hopefully intimidating the Dutch enough to accept German military protection. At the time of delivery, the German troops had already transgressed the Dutch border.
The message was perceived differently by the Dutch and Germans; the Dutch interpreted it as a declaration of war, while the Germans viewed it as a warning intended to intimidate the Dutch into accepting German protection.  German troops had already crossed the Dutch border before the message was delivered.