Page:America in the Struggle for Czechoslovak Independence (1926).pdf/74

RV 70 gave an opportunity to present to the House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization, at the invitation of the chairman, Mr. Burnett, of Alabama, now deceased, the plight of the Czechoslovak volunteers. Mr. Burnett, at the hearing in question, expressed a desire that the matter be also presented in writing, and this was done in a communication which, while fairly lengthy, is also descriptive of the Czechoslovak situation at the time, and will therefore bear reproducing here:

With reference to the joint resolution (H. J. Res. 212) concerning which you were so kind as to permit me to appear before your committee the other day, I wish to submit the following thoughts:

1. The resolution provides as follows:

“That notwithstanding the provisions of the immigration act of February 5th, nineteen hundred and seventeen, alien residents of the United States who have enlisted or been conscripted for the military service of the United States or of any one of the nations co-belligerents of the United States in the present war, who may apply for readmission to this country, after being honorably discharged or granted furlough abroad in connection with their enlistment or conscription, shall be readmitted.”

2. There is in existence in France a Czechoslovak (Bohemian) Army which is organized under the pro-