Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-09-03

Copyright by Harris & Ewing.)
The United States has recognized the
Czecho-Slovaks as a belligerent nation
and the Czecho-SIovak National Coun-
Gil as a de facto belligerent govern
ment. The United States government
las Furthermore declared that it is
prepared 10 enter formally into rela-
tions with the de facto government to
prosecute the war against Austria
Hungary and Germany.
Secretary Lansing at noon today re-
ceived Frof. 7. G. Masaryk. the presi-
dent of the national council of the
Czecho-Slovaks and commander-in-
chief of the army, who makes his
headquarters here. and conveyed to him
the information which he had been
awaiting. and which was generally eX-
pected, that the American government,
following the action of Japan. Great
Britain and France. recognizes the bel
ngerency Cf the Czecho-Slovaks.
DR.. Masaryk has heretofore been un-
officially dealt with as the head of the
Czecho-Slovak government. which he
became when he was chosen president
Of the national council. He was con-
suited in all the preparations for send
ing American troops to cooperate with
the British and Japanese out of Eladi-
yostok for the relief of the CZecho-
SlovakS in Siberia, who are being hard
pressed by the bolshevik and armed
Germans and Austrians who were one
time prisoners of the Russians.
Direct Blow at Austria-Hungary
The recognition of the Czecho-
Slovaks as a nation and possessing a
de facto belligerent government is a
direct blow at Austria Hungary, war
ranted by the declaration of state of
war between the United States and
Austria Hungary at the beginning of
Czecho- Slovak people were a part Of
the population of the empire. and
those of them now in arms in Siberia
were at one time in the Austrian
army.
The CzeSho-Slovaks are now scat
tered from Moscow TO Fladivostok, with
fellow nationals still under the yoke
IN Austria Hungary. while the head
of their government is in Washington.
Many of the Czecho-Slovaks who es-
capped in the memorable march from
southwestern Russia to Fladivostok
ultimately worked their way to
France, and now are fighting with the
allies on the western front.
1t is the belief in official circles that
the recognition of the new govern
ment may serve further to disinte-
CRATE the Austro-Hungarian empire,
for large portion of the population
of the dual empire is composed OF
rZecho-Slovaks and anxious to cast
off their bondage to the Hapsburgs. 1t
will, it is estimated. encourage the
JugoSlavs-that is TO say. the Slavic
peoples of southern Europe-in their
efforts to rid themselves of Austria
Hungary's domination.
Action Has Broad Significance.
So il must be borne in mind that
recognition of the new government is
not merely acknowledging the bellg-
erency of the fighting refugees in ST.
IBERIA, but has a far broader and
deeper significance-the holding out
of a helping hand to all the possible re-
voting elements within the realm of
Austria Hungary itself.
1t is tantamount. in fact, to lending
the countenance and aid of the allies
to movements of revolt within the
empire an action entirely warranted
by the state of war existing. There
are many racial elements in Austria
Hungary now in a state of unrest,
and they may be encouraged to join
this new government. which has the
recognition now of the United States,
Japan and the European allies.
1t is a question whether. the new
government may now be in line to
receive loans from the United States.
dependent upon study of the exact
terms of the acts authorizing credits
1" foreign governments.
Official Text of Statement.
The official text of the statement of
recognition issued by the State De-
psrtment follows:
The CzechoSlovak peoples having
taken UP arms against the German
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