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.
The National Government does not leave Paris without having assured the defence of the city and the entrenched camp by all the means in its power. The Government knows there is no need to advise the Parisian population to calmness, resolution and coolness.
Frenchmen, be worthy in these tragic circumstances! We shall obtain a final victory; we shall obtain it by untiring will, by endurance and tenacity.
A nation which does not desire to perish and which, wishing to live, recoils neither before sufferings nor sacrifices is certain to conquer.
Two days afterwards an important declaration, signed by the representatives of England, Russia and France, was issued in London and in the other capitals. By this declaration the Governments concerned agreed not to conclude peace separately during the war. The following is the text of the declaration as issued by the Press Bureau on the afternoon of September 5th:
Declaration
The undersigned, duly authorised thereto by their respective Governments, hereby declare as follows: