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1 PO JM 1590-1589

Sheet 5.

Stockholm, May 10, 1916.

The President:

Russia (only the Finlanders are excluded); even now the Russian government has let loose their officials, allowing them to practice their cruel instincts of
destruction on our homesteads and property. We do not complain of devastations caused by war operations, but we complain of senseless destruction, The result of a mere desire to rob and murder instigated by the higher orders. We do complain of mean suspicions directed against Russia's own subjects; of their being driven away into starvation, misery and death. We do complain of the Unnecessary sickness and death of which many thousands of innocent women, children and old people have been made victims. We have not forgotten that millions of our Kinsmen are still in Russian hands. We know that their tongues have been sealed, or that they are silently suffering in utter distress. We know, too, the old practise of the Russian Government of revenging itself on the innocent relatives when it cannot lay hands on those who speak the truth. To-day we can do nothing for our people. May God help them, but we know, too, that not one amongst our people would every trust Russia's word again. We know that neither we nor our descendants will ever forget the martyrdom suffered by the present generation. Russia has wronged, enslaved and neglected the nations entrusted to her care. She has abused her military pover. Thanks to our helplessness she has martyred her own subjects and destroyed their welfare for Generations to come. Thus, Russia herself, has cast us off, and Russia will unflinchingly continue her efforts until she reaches her ultimate aim. Russinization, annihilation of her subject nations, Therefore, we appeal: help

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