Page:The New Europe - Volume 3.djvu/290

 Press, and, above all, full immunity for all deputies. A number of Czech and Jugoslav deputies have been deprived of this freedom and immunity; many were imprisoned and even sentenced to death, while others were interned without anyone knowing what was their offence! During the war political persecution has increased to an unheard-of degree; and if there is to be a new political life—which is an indispensable preliminary to all parliamentary discussion and action—it is essential that you should first of all secure a general amnesty for all condemned by the military courts on non-military and purely political grounds.

“The Czech nation cannot grant to its present representatives the right to speak and act in its name in Parliament so long as absolute political freedom is not assured in our public life. But we also object to the intention of the Austrian Parliament—deprived of over forty deputies, half of them still alive and fully entitled to take their seats—to prolong its own life. The people alone can grant or renew this right, and only at the hands of the people can a Czech accept the political representation of his rights and desires.

“These desires and rights of the Czecho-Slovak nation acquire greater strength and a new importance owing to the world war, during which Europe is gaining a new, democratic aspect. Our whole policy must have the same great liberating standpoint, reinforced by the old honesty, the old spirit of sacrifice and devotion, the old glorious regard for the honour of the Czech nation and for the judgment of the future. These qualities the Czech people have proved by the calm dignity which they have preserved throughout the war despite all temptations, and without either commands or advice from their deputies being required. This calm dignity, this instinct of self-preservation was the most sound expression of our national instinct; and this eloquent national silence, which not even the greatest persecution could break down, would have remained undisturbed so long as the world war lasted. But now the gates of the Austrian Parliament are opening, and the political representatives of the nations have for the first time the opportunity, should they desire it, of speaking and acting freely. Whatever they may say and decide will be heard not only at home, but also throughout Europe, and even