The Czechoslovak Review/Volume 2/From the Czechoslovak army in Russia

FROM THE CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY IN RUSSIA.

 

Petrograd Weekly “Čechoslovák” contains a declaration of this army, dated September 28, 1917, the anniversary day of St. Václav, patron saint of Bohemia. It is an interesting historical document, which reads as follows:

“The Czechoslovak army, composed of volunteers born in Austria-Hungary, celebrates on this St. Vaclav day the third anniversary of the armed rebellion of the Czechoslovak nation against Austria-Hungary and the Hapsburgs, and sends warm greetings to all Czechoslovaks at home.

“The Czechoslovak army hails with feelings of pride and happiness the manly fight of the deputies in the home lands for full independence of our nation. The declaration of Bohemian and Slovak political parties, their political tactics and our determination to shed our blood to the last drop for the liberation of the nation prove sufficiently that the Czechs and Slovaks will never accept a compromise with the Hapsburgs and with Austria-Hungary. It brands as a lie the statement that Austro-Hungarian peoples desire to live in that monarchy which never had any regard for their life interests. The Czechoslovak nation founded Austria-Hungary; they have a right to make an end to it. Czechoslovak volunteers who proved at Zborov on June 18th that they can conquer swear that they will not only liberate their fatherland, but that they will punish the tyrants.

“We beseech you who are over there at home to go ahead without fear and hesitation, united with us in a common will and a common aim. Be assured that resolute fighting side by side with the free nations united against the Central Empires will win for us that freedom which we heave earned by our sacrifices and our labors.”