The Kingdom of serbia : report upon the atrocities committed by the Austro-Hungarian Army during the first invasion of Serbia

PREFACE

Tre barbarous methods of warfare and the cruelties towards the civil population of an invaded country, such as have been practised by the German Army in Belgium, have been faithfully imitated by her Austrian ally in Serbia. The present investigations and report of a distinguished man of science (who furthermore is a neutral) actually prove that the ¢ charming Austrian people ” and “ the proud and gallant Magyar race ” have had the doubtful honour of surpassing, if possible, their Prussian friends in bestiality.

The material for the report was collected on the spot by Professor Reiss during the months of September, October, and November 1914. It is incomplete, owing to the fact that at the time a large part of Serbia was still occupied by the enemy, and in that part it was impossible to proceed with an enquiry. Besides, many civilians having fled from the devastated regions, it was impossible to correctly establish the number of the victims. For these reasons the damage done by the first Austro-Hungarian invasion is far more considerable, and the number of the victims greater, than is indicated in this report.

Nevertheless, and in spite of this, Professor Reiss’s report constitutes a most valuable piece