THE NEW KINGDOM OF POLAND
Reading edition
The liberation of Poland is closely connected with the victory of Germany and her allies, who alone are interested in the existence of a free Poland, and for whose sake Poland must not go back to Russia. Germany's security demands that for all future times the Russian armies shall not be able to use a militarily consolidated Poland as an invasion gate to Silesia and West Prussia.
To Poland liberated from Russian rule we offer the possibility of seeking support in the Central Powers and in firm alliance with them of leading a free life in its own state, politically and economically. Especially for the near future, the Poles will have a strong claim on our assistance.
Proclamation by General von Beseler, Governor of Warsaw, November 5, 1916.
