Ernst Seidler von Feuchtenegg

“ We are trying to bring about peace, an honorable peace that would gain for us and our faithful allies a secure existence for all times. We are trying to bring about peace in a spirit of justice and conciliation, but also with a firmness and unitedness that will demonstrate to the enemies, how hopeless are their plans of spoliation. ”

“ It would be unbearable to have this horrible war prolonged merely in order that the program of the Prague declaration might be realized. (Loud approval and praise from the left. Cries from the Czechs.) That will not happen. Even such evil tendencies cannot prevent the indestructible life strength of Austria from defeating all the external enemies. Whatever she needs for her internal peace and the peaceful existence in common of her peoples she will do herself by constitutional means. ”

“ The political sentiment which it manifests seems to have been controlled by suggestions from that world of ideas which we combat so successfully in our struggle for existence. The declaration takes to a certain extent an international standpoint and follows its own particularistic aims between Austria and her enemies, ready to accept, at least during peace negotiations, international support to gain the recognition of foreign powers for its sovereignty which it treats as an actual fact. Our enemies can find in it encouragement to maintain principles aimed at the integrity of our state. ”