[Telegram]
PETROGRAD, February 11, 1918, 7 p.m.
[Received February 14, 10.41 a.m.]
2358. The Brest negotiations terminated. Following declaration signed by Trotsky and Russian delegation, also by Bolshevik Ukraine delegation, formally promulgated by Smolny:
In the name of People's Commissaries, which is government of Russian Federated Republic, we hereby bring to knowledge of governments and peoples at war with us, to our allies and to neutral countries, that, refusing to sign an annexationist treaty, Russia declares on her part the state of war with Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria has ceased, that the Russian troops are simultaneously given orders to demobilize completely on all fronts This not greatly surprising, except not expected so soon. It is equivalent to separate peace which I think would have been formally signed if Soviet had been recognized by Allies. Must await developments to give information concerning commercial treaty, which think Germany negotiating with Soviet. Have sent commercial attache to the Department [of] Industry to cultivate unofficial trade relations. Vigilance required to check German commercial activities. Alexeev, Kaledin, Kornilov will not disband forces.
Germany reported to have given Rumania notice that hostilities will be resumed if peace unsigned four days.
FRANCIS