Page:Edvard Beneš – Bohemia's case for independence.pdf/143

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APPENDIX
129

the news with care—tends to prove that the activity of the two men in question served the interests of our enemy.

"The preceding proofs, taken from the record of the judgment, give the main features brought out in the course of proceedings regarding the whole organisation inimical to the State. Even though this picture is not a pleasing one, nevertheless the proceedings have shown, on the other hand, that only a relatively small portion of the Czech nation and its leaders was misled by the criminal agitation. It would therefore be erroneous to make the patriotic portion of the Czech nation responsible for the above-mentioned regrettable conditions. They vehemently condemn the errors of those referred to, the more so as at present an enlightened leadership of the Czech nation is exerting great efforts to bring the whole population back again to the Austrian State idea. It may be mentioned that the great majority of the Czech soldiers are fighting, as always, with great bravery, which is proved by their sanguinary losses and the numerous and well-merited high decorations they have received.

"Let him suffer a deserved punishment who is guilty. We must, however, refrain—as is only just—from indulging in general suspicion and condemnation."

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