Dutch rebuke Berlin on German flag

January 4, 1937

The Dutch government today made public a "sharp note it had sent to the German Government concerning Nazi charges of an affront of the German flag" at events in connection with the forthcoming wedding of Crown Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld, reports the New York Times.

The note explains that at Queen Wilhelmina's "explicit wish" that her daughter's wedding is a "family affair and the flying of the German flag would not be appropriate."

In future, the Dutch Government expects the German Government to "make inquiries before giving support to a campaign such as been conducted in the Nazi press."

The note also makes reference to the the personal letter Prince Bernhard had sent to Chancellor Adolf Hitler after the passports of three German princesses, all bridesmaids to Princess Juliana, had been held up.  Thanks to the Prince's letter, the passports have been issued.  One of the princesses, Sophie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach,  has since sent word that she will not be able to attend the wedding.

This afternoon, Queen Wilhelmina went to the train station to welcome her brother-in-law, the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg and his wife.  This evening the royal guests were invited to a dinner at the palace.

Prince Bernhard continues to suffer with a cold, and remained inside all day.

The Nazis are expected to complain again tomorrow when a royal musicale will be given at the palace.  One of the musical pieces will be "Lippe Detmold, the anthem of the German principality that Prince Bernhard's family once ruled.  They have already complained that the Nazi hymn, "Horst Wessel," was not played.  Prince Bernhard has tried to diffuse the situation by requesting that the Dutch National anthem be played in "his presence.'

The German press has decided to ignore Juliana's wedding, and not publish any further information about the nuptials.

In contrast, the British press has displayed a "neighborly interest" in Juliana;s wedding, with  full coverage in the newspapers.   The Duke of Kent will be among the guests at the wedding, but he will not be accompanied by his wife, Princess Marina, who is recovering from the birth of a daughter on Christmas Day.