862.001 W 64/45: Telegram
The Minister in the Netherlands ( Garrett ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 11—2:08 p.m.]
5446. In reference to a telegram published in the press yesterday purporting to be a radio from Lyons to the effect that the German Government would not oppose a possible demand from the Entente for the appearance of the Kaiser and the ex-Crown Prince before an international court, and that the German Government had already so informed the Dutch Government the Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs tells me that no such information has reached the Dutch Government from the German Government.
[Page 79]In the course of a conversation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, it became evident that he wished me to understand that Holland would welcome the solution of its difficulties caused by the presence of the ex-Emperor. He seemed to realize the danger that his presence in the country might be to Holland, but it was evident that he feared that a demand might be made by the United States and the Allies calling for such action or couched in such terms as to threaten the honor of Holland and make it difficult to concede the demand, however much the Dutch might be inclined to meet it favorably.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs once more told the story of how the ex-Kaiser had come across the border unannounced; his coming not even being known in advance to the Dutch Government which was presented with a fait accompli. He reiterated his statement that the Dutch Minister in Berlin was told by Doctor Solf that the ex-Emperor had abdicated about the time of his flight into Holland, and he suggested that the act of abdication of November 28th was only a confirmation demanded by the German Government in order to overcome any ambiguity or equivocation that might be thought to exists.
In regard to the renunciation of the Crown Prince it may be of interest to note that his abdication is dated December 1st the same day on which he stated to the correspondent of the Associated Press that he had neither signed any document nor renounced any rights.