[Zope] Basic DTML syntax question- variable value test

I am trying to test the value of a variable and do something if it is true. When I say: <dtml-if "AppRecDate == '1900/01/01'"> <input type="text" name="AppRecDate" size="12" value="" tabindex="13"> <dtml-else> <input type="text" name="AppRecDate" size="12" value="<dtml-var AppDelDate>" tabindex="13"> </dtml-if> I get the false condition. That is, value="<dtml-var AppDelDate>" is used in the input statement. If I output the value of the variable directly, I get that it is equal to "1900/01/01" with the following code: <dtml-var AppDelDate> What am I missing in my use of the syntax?