Probably no neutral country played a more difficult role in the World War than did the Netherlands. Dur ing the first weeks of the German invasion of Belgium thousands of Bel gian refugees went across the border and it was necessary to give them hos pitality throughout the period of the war. The number steadily increased as Belgians found an opportunity to cross the border. At the outbreak of the war the boundary of the Netherlands was mobilized and throughout the entire period of the hostilities the army was in a constant state of preparation. Although sorely pressed by both sides by economic and other measures, Hol land never seriously contemplated aban doning her neutrality. Dutch ships played a large part in the carrying trade during the war, especially be tween America and Europe. On March 14, 1918, the United States and British governments notified the Dutch govern ment that they proposed to take over all the Dutch ships in their ports, com pensation to be made and the ships to be returned after the war. Holland had already delayed for many months in ac cepting various proposals made by the two governments and during this period hundreds of Dutch ships remained idle in American and British ports. Holland
was prepared to make an agreement, but Germany threatened the destruc tion of every Dutch ship if the agree ment was made. The seizure of the ships was made without trouble. Dutch crews were replaced by American and British. Although some public protest was made in Holland, there were no serious complications.
On the day following the armistice which ended hostilities, the German em peror arrived at Eysden on the Dutch frontier, and he with a number of fol lowers were permitted to enter Holland. After some delays the former emperor was given refuge at the castle of Count Bentick at Amerongen. Here he re mained until May, 1920, when he re moved to the castle of Doom, which he had purchased. The German crown prince took refuge on the island of Wieringen, where he remained with one or two companions. Following the ratification of the treaty of Versailles, formal attempt was made upon the Dutch government to give up the former emperor, but this was steadily refused. It was generally considered that the demand was more or less of a formality.
Holland quickly took advantage of the conditions following the close of the war and re-established commercial relations with Germany.