File No. 861.00/644
The Minister in Sweden ( Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 11, 10.35 p.m.]
967. I have been able to obtain information concerning recent events in Russia which I am cabling to you as I believe our Embassy’s communications are being interrupted. This information comes from Bolshevik sources which is all that now leaves Russia.
Two proclamations have been issued by Soviet’s Revolutionary Military Committee announcing that it holds the reins of government at head of garrison and proletariat of Petrograd; that its course, namely, immediate democratic peace, annulment property owners’ right to possess land, workers’ control of production and formation of government from ranks of Soviet has been won; that soldiers and workmen have risen as one man and won cause without bloodshed; front is called upon to support Soviet which will immediately propose just peace, give land to peasants and call Constituent Assembly.
The Congress of Soviets of all Russia in session at Petrograd adopted resolution that all belligerents commence negotiations for just democratic peace such as is wanted by majority of working classes of all belligerents and was wanted in Russia after fall of monarchy; such peace should be immediate, without annexations or forcible conquest of foreign nation and without indemnities. Russia is ready to take steps to have such a peace agreed upon by authorized representatives of all nations. Government understands by annexations either annexation by powerful state or [of] weak nation against its will or occupation of transoceanic territories, which takes place when population of any state is held by force, its right to a general referendum is refused against its will expressed in its press, national assemblies, party decisions or by revolt, and troops of occupation are not withdrawn. The government regards it a crime to continue war to partition weak nations among the powerful and proclaims [Page 243] its solemn decision to sign peace conditions as above. All peace negotiations shall be absolutely open and non-secret and all secret treaties of former Government shall be published and declared null and void. Government proposes immediate cessation of hostilities to be agreed upon for a period of three months and that all the nations of the world should participate in peace negotiations.