"The steps which are being taken against Czech schools in Lower Austria, especially in Vienna, are not only contrary to the standing laws but also to the decisions of the ministry concerned. "We conclude by asking: "Are the above facts of systematic persecution of the Czech nation during the war known to your Excellency? "Is your Excellency prepared to investigate them thoroughly? "Is your Excellency prepared to stop the persecution of the Czech nation and the wrongs suffered by us through these proceedings? "_In Vienna, June_ 6, 1917." [Footnote 1: For the full text of this document see Dr. Benes' _Bohemia's Case for Independence_.] V HOW THE CZECHO-SLOVAKS AT HOME ASSISTED THE ALLIES From the foregoing chapters it is clear that by continuous misrule and by the attempt to reduce the Czecho-Slovak nation to impotence through terrorism and extermination during this war, the Habsburgs have created a gulf between themselves and their Czecho-Slovak subjects which can never again be bridged over. Realising this, and seeing that since Austria has voluntarily sold herself to Berlin their only hope for a better future lies in the destruction of the political system called Austria-Hungary, the Czecho-Slovaks have from the beginning staked their all on the victory of the Entente, towards which they have contributed with all possible means at their disposal. 1. Since they could not think of revolting, the Czecho-Slovaks at home tried to paralyse the power of Austria in every way. Not only individuals but also Czech banks and other institutions refused to subscribe to the war loans. Their newspapers published official reports with reluctance, and between the lines laid stress on news unfavourable to Austria so as to keep up the spirit of the people. Czech peasants refused to give up provisions, and thus the Czechs, who already before the war boycotted German goods, accelerated the present economic and financial ruin of Austria.