The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-06-27
Serious Complications as Result of Escape Crown Prnice From Holland
 Uossible, Says Gerard
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(Continued from Page One.) Germany after the signing of the peace treaty, were received recently by government officials here. This became known today after the Associated Press dispatch telling of the escape of the German prince had been received. The former German Crown Prince was interned by the Dutch government on the Island of Wierengen and if he preserves his status as soldier the opinion of international law authorities here is that The Netherlands govern ment may be held accountable by the associated powers for his escape. It was explained that the rules of war and neutrality require the govern ment of any nation that affords asylum to fugitive soldier to intern him for the period of the war and that in this instance that period technically had not elapsed. Officials said one effect of the escape undoubtedly would be to cause the authorities of Holland to renew precautions to prevent the escape of the former Emperor.
 Because of the bitterness manifested by the extreme socialist element against the former royal family of- ficials here were somewhat puzzled by the action of the former Crown Prince. They assumed, however, he either must have had some encouragement from his friends in Germany to be- lieve that whatever government sur vived the present crisis, would refuse to surrender him to the associated pow CTS for trial under the terms of the peace treaty, should his name be on the prescribed list, or that 8 coup detat was in contemplation, involving the conservative elements and officers of the army. who have strongly opposed signing of the peace treaty.
 NEW MILITARY EFFORT
 Hints have come from Germany within the last few days that the military caste there would not be averse to bringing about a military situation within the former empire that would embarrass the allies in putting the peace treaty into effect. and it seems not improbable that the move made by the eX-crown prince is connected with some such plan.
 The former crown prince made his way into Holland shortly after the signing of the armistice last November and was interned there by the Dutch government, taking up his residence on the Island of Wieringen, in the Zuyder Zee.
 Two days before the armistice was signed decree issued by the German imperial chancellor, Prince Max of Baden. announcing decision of the former Ger man emperor, to abdicate, stated:
 "The imperial chancellor will remain in office until the question connected with the abdication of the kaiser, the re- nouncing by the crown prince of the throne of the German empire and Of Prussia, and the setting up of the re- gency, have been settled"
 This generally was accepted by the public as an official announcement of the crown princess intention to renounce his rights to the succession.
 Later, however, the crown prince de- nied any such intention in an interview given to the Associated Press correspon- dent at Ooserland, Holland, December 3. 1918. At that time the crown prince said:
 1T have not renounced anything, and I have not signed any documents what ever.
 However" he continued, should the German government decide to form a re- public similar to the United States or France, I should be perfectly content to return to Germany as a simple citizen. ready to do anything to assist my coun- try. should even be happy to work as a laborer in a factory.
 At present everything appears chaotic in Germany, but I hope things will right themselves"
 Notwithstanding this categorical state ment, the semi-official Wolff bureau of Berlin three days later issued what was said to be the exact text of the crown princess renunciation of his rights to the throne. This document read:
 q renounce formally and definitely, all rights to the crown of Prussia. and the