23 January 1926
Appointment of the governor
At the start of January 1926, the leading Czechoslovak newspapers began to carry reports on the progress of work to establish the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. The most crucial and, from the public’s perspective, perhaps the most visible act was the appointment of the governor of the future bank of issue, who was to preside over the bank’s inaugural general meeting and subsequently chair the Bank Board.
At that time, the press mentioned three potential candidates: Karel Engliš, Emil Roos and Vilém Pospíšil. While the speculation regarding Finance Minister Karel Engliš was largely a journalistic fabrication, the other two names reflected genuine considerations. Emil Roos, General Director of Zemská banka, had extensive issuing experience, albeit in the field of municipal bonds. He had also played a significant role in the liquidation of the former Austro-Hungarian Bank and was among Alois Rašín’s closest collaborators, particularly during the currency stamping process.
Vilém Pospíšil was Managing Director of Městská spořitelna Pražská savings bank and simultaneously Deputy Chairman of the Banking Office of the Ministry of Finance. He had also been closely involved in the preparations for economic and monetary independence and was the originator of the idea to attach adhesive stamps to banknotes in 1919.
The names of Emil Roos and Vilém Pospíšil were placed before Finance Minister Karel Engliš, who was to decide on the nomination. Reportedly, he was initially inclined towards Emil Roos, but during his deliberations he was informed that Vilém Pospíšil had been “predestined” for the post by none other than Alois Rašín. Engliš’s biographer later noted: “There were, of course, no objections to Pospíšil’s qualifications for this office, and so Engliš adapted…and the appointment was made.”
Pospíšil’s name was raised at the government’s meeting on 7 January 1926, and eight days later his nomination was approved. President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk appointed him governor on 23 January 1926, and four days later Vilém Pospíšil took the solemn oath before the president.