Abandonment of Paris

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WWI Document Archive > 1914 Documents > Abandonment of Paris



The members of the Government of the Republic have left Paris, to give a fresh impulse to national defense.

I have been intrusted with the task of defending Paris against the invader. That task I will fulfill to the end.

GALLIENI, Commandant of the Army of Paris.

* * * * *

PEOPLE OF FRANCE!

For several weeks relentless battles have engaged our heroic troops and the army of the enemy. The valor of our soldiers has won for them. at several points, marked advantages; but in the north the pressure of the German forces has compelled us to fall back. This situation has compelled the President of the Republic and the Government to take a painful decision.

In order to watch over the national welfare, it is the duty of the public powers to remove themselves temporarily from the city of Paris.

Under the command of an eminent Chief, a French army, full of courage and zeal, will defend the capital and its patriotic population against the invader.

But the war must be carried on at the same time on the rest of its territory.

Without peace or truce, without cessation or faltering, the struggle for the honor of the nation and the reparation of violated rights must continue.

None of our armies is impaired. If some of them have sustained very considerable losses, the gaps have immediately been filled up from the reserves, and the appeal for recruits assures us of new reserves in men and energy tomorrow.

Endure and fight! Such must be the motto of the Allied British, Russian, Belgian and French armies.

Endure and fight, while, while at sea the British aid us, cutting the communication of our enemy with the world

Endure and fight, while the Russians continue to advance to strike the decisive blow at the heart of the German Empire. It is the duty of the Government of the Republic to direct this stubborn resistance!

Everywhere Frenchmen will rise for their independence; but, to insure the utmost spirit and efficacy in the formidable fight, it is indispensable that the Government shall remain free to act.

At the requegt of the military authorities, the Government is therefore temporarily transferring its headquarters to a place where it can remain in constant touch with the whole country.

It requests members of Parliament not to remain away from it, in order that they may form, with their colleagues, a bond of national unity.

The Government leaves Paris only after having assured the defense of the city and of the entrenched camp by every means in its power.

It knows that it does not need to recommend to the admirable population of Paris that calm, resolution, and coolness which it i showing every day, and which is on a level with its highest traditions.

People of France, let us all be worthy of these tragic circumstances. We shall gain the final victory; we shall gain it by unflagging will, endurance, and tenacity.

A nation which refuse to perish, and which, in order to live, does not flinch either from suffering or sacrifice, is sure of victory.


WWI Document Archive > 1914 Documents > Abandonment of Paris