THE CZECHOSLOVAK PROBLEM
Czechs would have exercised the right of choosing a new sovereign. This consideration demonstrates beyond the peradventure of a doubt that the various parts of Austria-Hungary were held together by a purely dynastic bond, legally speaking.
In his final chapter, Dr. Putney argues for a recognition of the aims of the Slavs of Austria-Hungary and for a declaration of sympathy with them. We can never completely understand the origin of certain declarations of the State Department unless we take into account Dr. Putney’s argument. This again calls for extensive quotations. Dr. Putney told those responsible for the country’s success in war and its foreign policy:
The Slavic leaders claim that an expression of sympathy with the nationalistic aspirations of the various western and southern Slavic races will assist the United States and the Entente in this war in the following ways:
1. It will encourage the formation of various Slavic Legions to fight on the “West Front” in Europe and elsewhere.
2. It will encourage the large number of Austrian Slavs who surrendered to Russia and then took up arts against Austria-Hungary to continue in the field against the Central Powers.
3. It will make of such prisoners active propa-[ 87 ]
