would, have flowed afresh and uselessly, without a prolongation of
the armistice.

"This prolongation could only be obtained on the condition of a
partial and very temporary occupation of a portion of Paris:
absolutely to be limited to the quarter of the Champs Elysées. Not
more than thirty thousand men are to enter the city, and they are to
retire as soon as the preliminaries of peace have been ratified,
which act can only occupy a few days.

"If this convention were not to be respected the armistice would be
at an end: the enemy, already master of the forts, would occupy the
whole of Paris by force. Your property, your works of art, your
monuments, now guaranteed by the convention, would cease to exist.

"The misfortune would reach the whole of France. The frightful
ravages of the war, which have not heretofore passed the Loire,
would extend to the Pyrenees.

"It is then absolutely true to say that the salvation of France is
at stake. Do not imitate the error of those who would not listen to
us when, eight months ago, we abjured them not to undertake a war
which must be fatal.

"The French army which defended Paris with so much courage will
occupy the left of the Seine, to ensure the loyal execution of the
new armistice. It is for the National Guard to lend its aid, by
keeping order in the rest of the city.

"Let all good citizens who earned honour as its chiefs, and showed