760c.61/365
The Czechoslovak Chargé (Masaryk) to the Secretary of State
Sir: Referring to my audience with you on September 2, regarding the point of view which the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic has taken relative to the policy of the Government of the United States towards the Polish-Russian conflict, as outlined in your note addressed to the Italian Ambassador, Baron Camillo Romano Avezzana, I have the honor to advise you that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czechoslovak Republic has charged me to inform you that the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic agrees with the principles as formulated in that document.
Since the conclusion of the armistice, the policy of the Czechoslovak Republic has been the upholding of peace in Czechoslovakia and Europe, a policy dictated by the profound desire to hasten consolidation and reconstruction so greatly needed, both to repair the damages caused by the great war and for the prompt and pacific solution of the internal, particularly the social problems of all European countries.
The Government of the Czechoslovak Republic shares fully the faith of the Government of the United States in Russia’s future. The [Page 473] old friendship between the people of Russia and the people of Czechoslovakia, culminating in Russia’s active and substantial support of the just struggle of the Czechoslovak people for liberty and independence, has left in the hearts of our people an imperishable sense of gratitude, joined with the conviction that restored and reunited Russia will again resume her mighty position among the nations of the world.
The Government of the Czechoslovak Republic does not recognize the Soviet government, but in accordance with its views as hereinbefore stated, it is definitely opposed to any military intervention in Russia. For this reason, the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic has not recognized General Wrangel as a de facto government. The Government of the Czechoslovak Republic believes that Russia will eventually solve her own internal problems alone, and has therefore declared its strictest neutrality in every respect in all present conflicts involving Russia.
From the point of view of the necessity of economic regeneration of Europe, the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic, while maintaining its policy of peace and neutrality, considers it highly important to establish economic relations with Russia as soon as possible and hopes that out of the present situation there may arise the opportunity to realize its plan, which would lead to preparing a firm foundation for a really friendly policy towards the future Russia.
In the furtherance of this policy of peace and neutrality, the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic sincerely wishes friendly and frank neighborly relations with Poland, the importance of which for both countries is evident.
The Government of the Czechoslovak Republic considers that its controversies with Poland concerning boundaries are definitely settled, and hopes sincerely that the problems which arise out of the present Polish-Russian conflict will be solved and peace concluded on a basis which will preclude further conflicts between the two nations. The Government of the Czechoslovak Republic believes that its policy, as hereinbefore stated, is in accordance with the present pressing needs of central Europe, and that it will tend toward avoiding possible conflicts, not only directly involving Czechoslovakia, but also toward preventing severe international conflicts generally, and that this policy of peace is highly essential under present conditions for all nations of Europe, who are still suffering from the effects of the great war.
Accept [etc.]