Dear fellow-countrymen!

Four years ago, I called on you to unite, for unity is strength and only strength will enable us to win back our independence and freedom.

At present, the Japanese army has collapsed. The National Salvation Movement has spread to the whole country. The League for the Independence of Vietnam (Viet Minh) has millions of members from all social strata: intellectuals, peasants, workers, businessmen, soldiers and from all nationalities in the country: Viet, Tho, Nung, Muong, Man, and others. In its ranks our compatriots march side by side regardless of age, sex, religion and fortune.

Recently, the Viet Minh convened the Vietnam People's National Congress and appointed the National Liberation Committee to lead the entire people in the resolute struggle for national independence.

This is a great advance in the history of the struggle waged for nearly a century by our people for their liberation. This is a source of powerful encouragement for our compatriots and great joy for myself.

However, we cannot content ourselves with that. Our struggle will be a long and hard one. The Japanese defeat does not rnean that we shall be liberated overnight. We still have to make further efforts and carry on the struggle. Only unity and struggle will bring us independence.

The Viet Minh is at present the basis for the unity and struggle of our people. Join the Viet Minh, support it, make it even greater and stronger!

At present, the National Liberation Committee is the equivalent of a provisional government. Let us rally around it and see to it that its policies and orders are carried out throughout the country!

This way, independence is certain to come to our people soon.

Dear fellow-countrymen!

The decisive hour has struck for the destiny of our people. Let all of us stand up and rely on our own strength to free ourselves.

Many oppressed peoples the world over are vying with each other in wresting back independence. We should not lag behind.

Forward! Forward! Under the banner of the Viet Minh, let us valiantly march forward!

HO CHI MINH