Proclamation by the Government Announcing Transfer of Capital to
Bordeaux, Sept. 3.
People of France: For several weeks relentless battles have engaged
our heroic troops and the army of the enemy. The valor of our
soldiers has won for them, at several points, marked advantages;
but in the north the pressure of the German forces has compelled us
to fall back.
This situation has compelled the President of the Republic and the
Government to take a painful decision.
In order to watch over the national welfare it is the duty of the
public powers to remove themselves temporarily from the City of
Paris.
Under the command of an eminent chief, a French Army, full of
courage and zeal, will defend the capital and its patriotic
population against the invader.
But the war must be carried on at the same time on the rest of its
territory.
Without peace or truce, without cessation or faltering, the
struggle for the honor of the nation and the reparation of violated
right must continue.
None of our armies is impaired. If some of them have sustained very
considerable losses, the gaps have immediately been filled up from
the reserves, and the appeal for recruits assures us of new
reserves in men and energy tomorrow.
Endure and fight! Such must be the motto of the allied British,
Russian, Belgian, and French Armies.
Endure and fight, while at sea the British aid us, cutting the
communication of our enemy with the world.
Endure and fight, while the Russians continue to advance to strike
the decisive blow at the heart of the German Empire.
It is the duty of the Government of the republic to direct this
stubborn resistance.
Everywhere Frenchmen will rise for their independence; but to
insure the utmost spirit and efficacy in the formidable fight it is
indispensable that the Government shall remain free to act. At the
request of the military authorities, the Government is therefore
temporarily transferring its headquarters to a place where it can
remain in constant touch with the whole of the country.
It requests members of Parliament not to remain away from it, in
order that they may form, with their colleagues, a bond of national
unity.
The Government only leaves Paris after having assured the defense
of the city and of the intrenched camp by every means in its power.
It knows that it does not need to recommend to the admirable
population of Paris that calm, resolution and coolness which it is
showing every day, and which is on a level with its highest
traditions.
People of France, let us all be worthy of these tragic
circumstances. We shall gain the final victory; we shall gain it by
unflagging will, endurance, and tenacity.
A nation which refuses to perish, and which, in order to live, does
not flinch either from suffering or sacrifice, is sure of victory.
The manifesto is signed by President Poincaré and all the
Ministers.
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