Protest Letter of the Assembly of the Central Franconian Peasants’ Councils against the Council System, 4 April 1919

The majority of the councils in Bavaria could not be won over to the system of a Soviet Republic during spring 1919. Only those councils, particularly in Munich, which had become more radical since January 1919, advocated a change of system. Meanwhile, the Central Franconian farmers' councils, among others, strongly opposed a Soviet Republic. Instead, they wanted the councils to develop into representatives of professional categories. In their letter, they paid particular attention to a proposed solution to the food crisis. They wanted to counter the problem by compulsory deliveries of leftover food, by an end to the war economy and by fighting the contraband trade. They also called for regular top-down coordination, for the procurement of fertilizers and clothing as well as for a general correction of wages.

The councils emphasised that they remained loyal to the Bavarian state. However, if their demands were not met, they threatened to separate Franconia from Bavaria.

The decision was taken by the councillors of Central Franconia at their meeting on 30 March and sent to the Bavarian parliament in Munich on 4 April 1919. The entry stamp bears the date of 7 April. By then the decision of the peasants' councils had already been overtaken by events, since the Central Council in Munich had proclaimed the Soviet Republic on the same day.

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