It was not, of course, expected that the invaders would succeed in entering Paris, as the capital could be defended not merely by its own strong ring of fortresses, but by the left wing of the army. If, however, as was certainly expected, battles were to wage round the capital, the work of the Government would have become impossible and difficulties might be experienced by the Cabinet in keeping itself in communication with the commander-in-chief. It was therefore decided that the capital should be removed to some other city, just as the Belgian capital had been transferred from Brussels to Antwerp. Tours was at first spoken of as the new seat of government, but the final choice rested on Bordeaux, a well-situated seaport and a city of really excellent communications to all parts of the country. Early in September, therefore, it was decided that the transfer should take place, and on September 3rd the President of the Republic and all his Ministers addressed the following Proclamation to the country: People of France For several weeks sanguinary combats have taken place between our heroic troops and the enemy's army. The bravery of our soldiers has gained for them at several points marked success, but to the north the pressure of the German forces has compelled us to retire. This situation imposes upon the President of the Republic and the Government the painful decision that in order to watch over the national safety the duty of the authorities is to leave Paris. Under the command of an eminent leader a French army full of courage and energy will defend the capital and the patriotic population against the invader, but the war must be continued at the same time on the rest of the territory without peace or truce, without stay or weakness. The sacred struggle for the honour of the nation and reparation for violated right will continue. None of our armies has been broken. If some have sustained too perceptible losses the gaps will be immediately filled from the depôts, and the call for recruits assures us for the morrow new resources in men and energy to endure and to fight. That must be the watchword of the Allied British, Russian, Belgian, and French Armies--to endure and to fight, whilst on the sea the British aid us to cut the communications of our enemies with the world, to endure and to fight, whilst the Russians continue to advance to deal a decisive blow at the heart of the German Empire. To the Government of the Republic belongs the duty of directing this stubborn resistance everywhere for French independence. To give this formidable struggle all its ardour and all its efficacy it is indispensable that the Government should remain free to act on the demand of the military authorities. The Government is removing its residence to a point where it can remain in constant relations with the whole of the country. It requests Members of Parliament not to hold aloof, in order to form before the enemy a united alliance.