Page "Carpathian Ruthenia" Paragraph 37

Prior to this, in July 1918, Rusyn immigrants in the United States had convened and called for complete independence.

Failing that, they would try to unite with Galicia and Bukovyna ; and failing that, they would demand autonomy, though they did not specify under which state.

They approached the American government and were told that the only viable option was unification with Czechoslovakia.

Their leader, Gregory Zatkovich, then signed the " Philadelphia Agreement " with Czech President Tomáš Masaryk, guaranteeing Rusyn autonomy upon unification with Czechoslovakia.

A referendum was held among American Rusyn parishes, with a resulting 67 % in favor.

Another 28 % voted for union with Ukraine, and less than one percent each for Galicia, Hungary and Russia.

Less than 2 % desired complete independence.