| Source | The Times, 21st August 1968 |
| Event referred to | USSR Invasion of Czech Republic, August 20th 1968 |
| Technological characteristics | Text file from print out from library microfiche |
| Description of the source | Newspaper article, obtained through Library microfiche archives of Times newspaper. Language: English. Availability to print from microfiche; copyright remains with the Times. |
| Contextualisation of the source | The Times is regarded as a conservative newspaper. The events of 20th August 1968 in Czechoslovakia were reported on the front page of the times on 21st August 1968 with a variety of articles. This article from the defence correspondent is one of the more substantial articles from the front page coverage reporting the events of 20th August 1968. |
| Interpretation of the source | This article points out the inability of the Czech republic to fight back, their army being small and mainly formed from national service recruits. The fact that Russian forces had remained in the country after the Bartislava meeting of the previous month is also pointed out, suggesting that this invasion might have been planned some time before and that the soldiers remained in order to facilitate the invasion of August 20th.
Whilst stating facts this article makes it quite clear that the Czechs were in no position to defend themselves and by inference is criticising the attack on a defenceless country. The emphasis in the opening lines on the Czechs being attacked by their “allies” further adds to the tone of criticism and condemnation of the article.
Overall this article suggests that the Soviet invasion of the Czech Republic was planned and was carried out on a country which it was supposed to be friends with and which was defenceless. Adopting such an approach through the provision of facts suggests a highly critical tone towards Russia and it’s actions.
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