The Soviet ultimatum to Prague (1968)

On August 15th 1968, the Politburo of the Russian Communist Party met to discuss the situation in Czechoslovakia. After three days, the Politburo issued the following statement, in effect an ultimatum to end the Prague Spring or face Soviet military occupation:

“Having comprehensively analysed the conditions and situation in Czechoslovakia during the last few days, and having similarly considered a request from members of the CSCP [Czechoslova Communist Party] Central Committee and government of the CSSR [Czechoslovak Soviet Socialist Republic] to the USSR, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary and the German Democratic Republic, requesting military assistance in the battle against counter-revolutionary forces…

The Politburo of the Communist Party unanimously considers that the recent developments in Czechoslovakia have taken a very dangerous turn. Rightist elements operating with clear and covert support from imperialist reactionaries are preparing a counter-revolutionary overthrow…

Considering that the USSR and other fraternal parties have already exhausted all political means of influence on the government of the CSCP in trying to encourage it to rebuff rightist, anti-socialist forces, the Politburo of the CPSU Central Committee feels that the moment has come for the shift to active measures in defence of socialism in the CSSR…

[The Politburo] unanimously resolves to render assistance and support to the Communist Party and people of Czechoslovakia through military force.”