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Foreign Relations of the United States : 1918 The Conclusion of the Peace of Brest Litovsk
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

File No. 763.72119/1123

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

PETROGRAD, January 12, 1918, 6 p. m.

[Received January 14, 11.16 a. m.]

2225. Your 1973. Robins reports had an interview with Lenin who has wired President's message textually to Trotsky at Brest. Lenin said that he approved of message and thought it potential agency in promoting peace. Lenin also expressed himself as believing that war would be resumed and no separate peace effected. Trotsky consented to and compelled [continue] negotiations at Brest as Germans refused going elsewhere. Publicity bureau says 100,000 copies President's message be posted here to-morrow; also said 800,000 printed for distribution by Y.M.C.A. Also several hundred thousand in German for distribution, if possible, along German front and P.T.A. given better translation for distribution than it first made. Graham Taylor going Moscow to-night to expedite circulation. It cannot be given too much. Think effect great, far reaching.

FRANCIS

127 Wall Street, New Haven, CT 06511.