we were now publicly proclaiming the formation of an independent Czechoslovak State.
Together with this note I sent to the Allied Governments separate communications with regard to the accrediting of our diplomatic representatives in Paris, London, Rome, and Washington. These communications were also dated October 14, 1918.
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I based the juridical justification for this step mainly upon the declaration of the United States and on the agreements with England and France. My reasons for this were as follows:
(a) At that time the United States had so great a prestige among the Allies that I regarded this as the best step on tactical grounds.
(b) It was in the declaration of the United States that for the first time, in reference to the National Council, use had been made of the phrase “de facto Government” without any provisos.
(c) I regarded Pichon’s letter of June 28th as tantamount to recognition on the part of France, and the declaration of the British Government on September 9th as analogous to it.
Wishing to obviate any further controversies with the Allied Governments concerning the justification for this step, I was anxious to have the support of diplomatic documents unreservedly binding the Allies and devoid of any juridical ambiguities.
Masaryk’s functions in the interim Government were important both to us and to the Allies. From the very beginning he had managed the finances of our movement, and we were all confident that his great authority would rule out the possibility of any recrimination in this respect. He was appointed head of the State mechanism and President of the Government for reasons which are too obvious to need explanation.
In accordance with Berthelot’s promise, M. Pichon replied to me as Foreign Minister of the new Government on the next day, October 15th, granting full recognition to State and Government. In a second communication of October 16th, M. Pichon notified his acceptance of Dr. Lev Sychrava as our diplomatic representative.
