Message from Bertrand Russell to "Verceni Praha"
Item
Title
Message from Bertrand Russell to "Verceni Praha"
Contributor
Long, C.
Creator
Bertrand Russell
Date
Oct. 22, 1968
Format
jpg
Identifier
Bertrand Russell Archives, Box 9.43, Doc. 177768
Language
eng
Rights
McMaster University
Source
Bertrand Russell Archives
Text
MESSAGE FROM BERTRAND RUSSELL TO "VERCENI PRAHA"
OCTOBER 22, 1968
I send my warmest good wishes to the people of Czechoslovakia on the 50th anniversary of independence.
Unfortunately I have never visited your country. During the past few weeks, however, I have had the opportunity to learn much more about it, as I have received many letters and gifts from Czechoslovak citizens. These have arrived quite spontaneously at my house from complete strangers, and I am deeply moved to have received so many tokens of support and encouragement. One gift that I have valued greatly is a large book of photographs of Prague, showing scenes which through the medium of television have become known throughout much of the world in the past two months. Many messages have arrived anonymously, and I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude from them and to say how valuable they have been.
I am a socialist. I abhor imperialism and the deformation of man by capitalism. I also abhor the deformation of socialism by bureaucracy or tyranny. I long for the liberation of man in every sphere of his activity. I have opposed for years the cruel American aggression against the courageous people of Vietnam. I am preoccupied with the rights of smaller nations against powerful neighbours, and individuals against arbitrary government. Everyone who shares these values joins the people of Czechoslovakia in celebrating their independence, and expressing their gratitude to the people of Czechoslovakia for their large contribution to these goals. Socialists in many lands are joining you in spirit this week in the celebration of your anniversary.
Bertrand Russell
OCTOBER 22, 1968
I send my warmest good wishes to the people of Czechoslovakia on the 50th anniversary of independence.
Unfortunately I have never visited your country. During the past few weeks, however, I have had the opportunity to learn much more about it, as I have received many letters and gifts from Czechoslovak citizens. These have arrived quite spontaneously at my house from complete strangers, and I am deeply moved to have received so many tokens of support and encouragement. One gift that I have valued greatly is a large book of photographs of Prague, showing scenes which through the medium of television have become known throughout much of the world in the past two months. Many messages have arrived anonymously, and I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude from them and to say how valuable they have been.
I am a socialist. I abhor imperialism and the deformation of man by capitalism. I also abhor the deformation of socialism by bureaucracy or tyranny. I long for the liberation of man in every sphere of his activity. I have opposed for years the cruel American aggression against the courageous people of Vietnam. I am preoccupied with the rights of smaller nations against powerful neighbours, and individuals against arbitrary government. Everyone who shares these values joins the people of Czechoslovakia in celebrating their independence, and expressing their gratitude to the people of Czechoslovakia for their large contribution to these goals. Socialists in many lands are joining you in spirit this week in the celebration of your anniversary.
Bertrand Russell
