French government flees Paris for Bordeaux

The French government has fled from Paris and will now attempt to rule France from Bordeaux.

It is reported that the German army is now 25 miles from the capital.

President Raymond Poincaré, accompanied by all his ministers, left Paris at 5am and was followed by the President of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

In all, two special trains filled with magistrates, officials and other representatives of the French state left Paris.

The city is now prepared for a siege. Guns have been mounted on the old walls and on the roofs of houses, with preparations also made for street fighting.

The abandonment of Paris does not necessarily mean that the city is set for an imminent attack from the German army.

Nonetheless, the French government has issued at a statement that sets out the reasons for departure: ‘The pressure of the German forces has compelled the President of the Republic and the Government to take a painful decision.’

‘In order to watch over the national welfare, it is the duty of the public powers to remove themselves temporarily from the city of Paris.’ 

‘The French army, full of courage and zeal, will defend the capital and its patriotic population against the invader.’

‘The Government only leaves Paris after having assured the defence of the city by every means in its power. It knows that it does not need to recommend to the admirable population of Paris that calm resolution and coolness which it is showing every day.’

‘People of France, let us be worthy of these tragic circumstances. We shall gain final victory. We shall gain it by unflagging will, endurance and tenacity. A nation which does not wish to perish, and which, in order to live does not flinch either from suffering or from sacrifice, is sure of victory.’

‘Endure and fight.’