 The panel was removed from the frame, apparently with care, leaving the other panels undamaged.In the empty space was left a note, written in French, with the words, "Taken from Germany by the Treaty of Versaile", a reference to the fact that the altarpiece, having been removed to Berlin by German forces during World War I, had to be returned in accordance with of the Treaty of Versailles.On 30 April, the Bishop of Ghent received a ransom demand for one million Belgian francs, to which the Belgian minister refused to agree.