I kiss the soil as if I placed a kiss on the hands of a mother for the homeland is our earthly mother. I consider it my duty to be with my compatriots in this sublime and difficult moment.
I will always stay close to all compatriots and share together the happiness and suffering.
However even during the preparations for action we laid our plans in such a manner that should there be progress through diplomatic negotiation we would be well prepared to cancel operations at the latest moment that communication technology would have permitted.