SOUL OF FREEDOM

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 80, 1 October 1940, Page 7

SOUL OF FREEDOM

WILL NOT PERISH

CHURCHILL SPEAKS TO CZECHS

"TRAGIC SACRIFICE"

LONDON, September 30. A message from Mr. Churchill to the people of Czecho-Slovakia was broadcast tonight. Mr. Churchill recalled that two years ago the Czechoslovak people made the tragic sacrifice at Munich in the interests of European peace. Within six months the hopes which this agreement stirred were frustrated and the unscrupulous men who controlled Germany ruthlessly destroyed their solemn pledges.

Mr. Churchill declared: "Instead of protection, Hitler has brought you nothing but moral and material devastation, and in the hour of your martyrdom I send you this message. The battle which we in Britain are fighting today is your battle, and, indeed, the battle of all nations who prefer liberty to soulless serfdom."

Mr. Churchill said that the Czechoslovak people had given countless proofs of then, courage in adversity. In Britain they had welcomed with pride and gratitude the soldiers and airmen who had come by daring escapes to take part in the battle for Britain, which was also the battle for Czecho-Slovakia.

British admiration was no less sincere for the Czechs and Slovaks, who on the home front were risking death and worse than death to foster resistance against a cruel aggressor. The Prime Minister said that the restoration of Czecho-Slovak liberties was one of Britain's war aims, and he concluded: "Be of good cheer. The hour of your deliverance will come, for the soul of freedom is deathless. It cannot and will not perish/