Národní výbor a četnictvo: převzetí rakouského četnictva do služeb nového československého státu (1918–1920)

The process of incorporation of the Austrian gendarmerie in the police corps of the new-born Czechoslovak state is described. The first chapter shows the attitude of the local and district national committees to the gendarmerie units. The next part refers to the relevant National Committee resolution to retain the gendarmerie in the services of the Czechoslovak state and points to the Committee’s endeavor to rehabilitate the former Austrian gendarmes in the eyes of the public. In that connection many complaints about the anti-Czech conduct of gendarmes during the war had to be handled. From October 1918 to early 1920 the original Austrian Gendarmerie was transformed into Czechoslovak gendarmerie that was supposed to become a cornerstone of the democratic order in the new state. The process was far from being easy; nevertheless, when the provincial gendarmerie commander joined the National Committee in Prague on 29 October 1918 it became clear to all Committee members that another suitable instrument to build the new state power could hardly be found. Thus, overnight, the gendarmes removed the Austrian state eagle and German inscriptions and pinned on Czechoslovak ribbons.