The aftermath of the first world war sees declarations of independence and the foundation of new states including Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Poland

Federation scheme

While an attempt is being made by the governments of Austria-Hungary to combine the dual monarchy in a new federation of four states, upon which an imperial manifesto has been issued, the separatist demands of the several nationalities are insistent.

The independence of Poland has been proclaimed at Warsaw, Bohemian deputies have declared for a monarchy in Bohemia, and the Croats are about to proclaim separation. The separation of Hungary is asserted by the Karolyi party.

Amsterdam, Thursday

A Vienna telegram states that Baron Hussarek has summoned a meeting of the party leaders for this evening. It is said the intention is to publish a statement announcing a summons of the national assemblies, with a view to appointing national governments. This is understood to mean the speedy transformation of the dual monarchy into a federation of states.

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Amsterdam, Thursday

The Vienna correspondent of the Berliner Tageblatt telegraphs that the publication of the Emperor’s manifesto on the federalisation of Austria, which has already been announced, is expected tomorrow.

In this manifesto his Majesty will declare in favour of the principle of federalisation, and will at the same time invite the different races to make preparations for the formation of federal states. The races of Austria will be given the right, in recognition of their right of self-determination, to form themselves into independent States in the territories inhabited by them, but in the Austrian Federal State, which will be under the Habsburg sceptre, certain common affairs will remain common.

There will be no question of the Bukovina, as it will form the subject of negotiations with Hungary. According to report, the formation of four States is provisionally contemplated – namely, German-Austrian State, a Czech State, an Illyrian State that will comprise the Slav parts of Styria, Istria, and Dalmatia, and a Ukrainian Federal State to the territory of East Galicia.

The Romanian question and the question of the eventual union of Bosnia-Herzegovina with Croatia and Slavonia remain pending for the present, as these questions affect Hungarian interests in a very considerable degree. The regulation of the Polish question in the framework of the future Federal State is also omitted, the Crown having agreed to the severance of the Polish territory of Austria from the possessions of the house of Habsburg.

The government conceives the formation of national assemblies in such a manner that, for the present, representatives of individual peoples in the Austrian Lower House will themselves constitute conventions.

The resolve to publish this long-planned manifesto was reached at a ministerial council. It is assumed that the emperor’s manifesto is in certain accord with the expected note of President Wilson, and the resolve to publish the manifesto at the present moment is regarded as a fresh proof that the crown is presumably already informed respecting the attitude of the Washington government to the problem of the different races of Austria.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The first large Czech citizens march of independence after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Wenceslas Square , Prague. Photograph: Culture Club/Getty Images



Polish independence: Austrian emperor’s acceptance



Amsterdam, Thursday

A Vienna telegram to the Vossische Zeitung says in the course of an audience with the Emperor, the Polish deputies declared that they were going to participate in the Warsaw Government. The Emperor is reported to have replied that, in view of his acceptance of point 13 of President Wilson’s principles, he could not raise any objections, more particularly because he counted upon the Poles seeking contact with Austria. President Wilson’s thirteenth point reads as follows:-

An independent Polish State should be erected which should include the territories inhabited by indisputably Polish populations, which should be assured a free and secure access to the sea, and whose political and economic independence and territorial integrity should be guaranteed by international covenant.

Rejoicings in Warsaw

Zurich, Wednesday (delayed)

The proclamation of the independence of all Poland, after conferences between Polish, Austrian, and Prussian deputies, was celebrated on Monday at Warsaw by a general suspension of business, the flying of flags, and processions. The German authorities appear very much troubled.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Manchester Guardian, 18 October 1918.

Polish commander released

Amsterdam, Thursday

Prince Lubomirski, a member of the Polish Regency Council, states that, according to a Warsaw telegram to the Berliner Tageblatt, the Commander of the Polish Legion, Colonel Pilsudski, is expected to arrive in Warsaw this week on his return from his internment at Magdeburg.

Hungary as a separate state: the cry for autonomy

Amsterdam, Thursday

A Budapest telegram says that at the commencement of the sitting of the Lower House of the Hungarian Diet, the Premier, Dr Wekerle spoke. Interruptions from Count Karolyi’s party, such as “Long live an autonomous and independent Hungary,” were frequent.

The Premier exhorted the deputies in this serious situation to consider every aspect of the situation and to contribute to a combination of all forces.

Count Michael Karolyi delivered a speech demanding the immediate opening of peace negotiations regardless of existing political grouping. “At the peace negotiations,” he said, “Hungary must be represented by her own delegates.” He made a violent attack on Count Tisza’s party, demanding that the authors of the war should be brought to the strictest account.

At these words a shout was heard of “Paid entente agents.” M Hovassyi, a member of the Karolyi party, shouted: “We declare we are friends of the entente.” A great tumult then arose, and angry cries were raised against M Hovassyi. After the President of the Lower House had vainly tried to restore order, he suspended the sitting, which was resumed later.

Czech republicans: the situation in Prague

The Czech demonstration at Prague, which yesterday’s Berlin Lokal-Anzeiger describes as a one day’s strike, passed off quietly, according to the paper, which says:-

The repeatedly announced proclamation of a Czech Republic this time took the shape of placards in all the streets saying, “The time has arrived. We already have thrown off the fetters of subjugated Slavs. We have risen to independence, and stand here today as citizens of a free Czecho-Slovak Republic.

Croatian independence

Reuter’s Basle correspondent quotes the Budapest correspondent of the Frankfurter Zeitung for the report that the Croats intend solemnly to proclaim the independence of Croatia and separation from Hungary in the Hungarian Lower House.

Bohemia asking for a king: Duke of Connaught suggested

Amsterdam, Wednesday

A Vienna telegram says it is reported that the great majority of Bohemian deputies have declared in favour of a monarchical system in Bohemia, and only a small minority for a republic. The majority wishes to make either Prince Max von Hohenberg, son of the murdered Archduke Franz Ferdinand, or the Duke of Connaught king.

Czecho-Slovaks for full liberty

Reuter’s Agency has received the text of the resolution passed by the Czecho-Slovak National Council and by the Union of Czech Deputies at Prague on September 29. It was suppressed by the Austrian censor, but has just reached London. The final paragraph is as follows:-

The Vienna Government is unable to give us anything we ask for. Our nation has nothing in common with those who are responsible for the horrors of this war, therefore there will not be a single person who would, contrary to the unanimous wish of the nation, deal with those who have not justice for the Czech nation at heart, and who have also no sympathy with the Polish and Jugo-Slav nations, but who are only striving for the salvation of their present privileged position of misrule and injustice. The Czech nation will follow its anti-German policy whatever may happen, being sure that its just cause will finally triumph, especially to-day when it became a part of the great ideals of the Entente, whose victory will be the only good produced by this terrible war.

21 October 1918.