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Foreign Relations of the United States : 1918 The Conclusion of the Peace of Brest Litovsk
The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State

File No. 861.00/1228

The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State

[ Telegram ]

STOCKHOLM, March 6, 1918.

[Received March 6, 12.06 a.m.]

1624. Swedish press reports via Petrograd's telegram bureau.

Central Executive Committee of Soviet has issued following manifesto to all labor, soldier, peasant and Cossack Soviets:

Of 116 members of Central Executive Committee 85 voted against the war, 26 abstaining. Committee then decided approve peace terms presented by German Government in form of ultimatum.

To-day Germany forces us accede to terms still more humiliating. Within two weeks peace treaty must be ratified by both parties.

Replies to Central Executive Committee appeal show however serious divergencies among Soviets regarding fundamental principles of revolution. Some advocate signing at any price to give government chance recovering strength for crucial struggle against imperialists under conditions more favorable to proletariat. Others are against signing urging immediate summoning of masses against German imperialists. They regard approval peace terms as defeat for revolution and blow to international revolution.

Executive Committee convenes an extraordinary meeting Soviets and Cossacks' deputies to solve question at Moscow on March 12.

Reports from Vasa according private communications from front Bjorneborg to-day captured by White Army. Reported White Guard in eastern Nyland recaptured Lovisa and now engaged in fierce fighting with Reds near Borga.

Reported another German squadron consisting of twelve cruisers and transports sighted off Gottland yesterday.

MORRIS

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