The Czecho-Slovak National Council in Paris, which has been recognized
by the Allies and America as the Provisional Govern- ment of its people in Bohemia and Moravia and the Slovak districts of Hungary, published on Monday its reply to the Emperor Charles, in the form of a declaration of independence. The Czecho-Slovaks who were independent from the seventh century, joined with Austria and Hungary in 1628 in a defensive union against the Turks. The Hapsburgs " broke their compact with our nation by illegally transgreasing our rights," said the Council, " and we therefore refuse any longer to remain a part of Austria-Hungary in any form." The Czeoho-Slovak State, the declaration proceeded, would be a modern democratic Republic, in which the Church would be separated from the State and the nobility would cease to be privileged. Professor Masaryk signed the declaration as the first Prime Minister of the new State, with Dr. Stefanik as Minister of National Defence and Dr. Benes as Foreign Minister. M. Pichon, on behalf of France, has recognized the new Government. The Southern Slays are not yet so fully organized, but their London Committee has rejected the Emperor's manifesto as "a piece of audacious hypocrisy."
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