From the early stages of the conflict, the government was particularly anxious to prevent uncommitted military forces from siding with the royalists. This was clearly evidenced in one communiqué broadcast on 13 October, which claimed that only four hundred provincial troops had supported the rebellion. "Other soldiers", the announcement continued, "respect the government as before, and are ready to sacrifice their lives for the nation "164 Another somewhat more strident communiqué of 15 October announced: