Page:Edvard Beneš – Bohemia's case for independence.pdf/128

114 called up to complete the forces of the regiment have arrived from the country completely corrupted by the malicious propaganda of individuals who, by perverting the spirit of our military youth, have served the interests at our enemies.

"With the old soldiers, the spirit of loyalty and devotion to Austria has steadily increased and has won for their regiments and battalions esteem and glory. But since the young reservists after short instruction have rejoined their regiment, their bad influence upon the spirit of the regiment has at once become obvious.

"The infamous and disgraceful act of the 3rd of April 1915, not only destroys the reputation of this regiment, but necessitates its name being struck off the list of our Army Corps until new deeds of heroism retrieve its character.

"His Apostolic Majesty, our sublime military Commandant-in-Chief, has ordered by his decree of April 17th, 1915, the temporary dissolution of the 28th Regiment and the deposition of its banners in the Army Museum. Full of indignation and pain, you brave soldiers born in the same country, have to promise to expiate and efface by your blood the infamous and disgraceful act of that regiment. Our enemy, who does not hesitate to employ the most cowardly means to secure the success of his arms, must learn that there are still