Page:Max M. Laserson - The Development of Soviet Foreign Policy in Europe, 1917-1942 (1943).pdf/17

 The government considers that to continue this war simply to decide how to divide the weak nationalities among the powerful and rich nations which have seized them, would be the greatest crime against humanity and it solemnly announces its readiness to sign at once the terms of peace which will end this war on the indicated conditions, equally just for all nationalities without exception.

The government abolishes secret diplomacy. … It will proceed at once to publish all secret treaties ratified or concluded by the governments or landlords and capitalists … all the provisions of these secret treaties, in so far as they have for their object the security of benefits and privileges to the Russian landlords and capitalists—which was true in the majority of cases—and retaining or increasing the annexation by the Great Russians, the government declares absolutely and immediately annulled.

The October Revolution has started under the general banner of emancipation.

There remain the peoples (nationalities) in Russia. The Congress of Soviets has proclaimed in June of this year the right of Russia's nationalities for free self-determination.

The Second Congress of Soviets has confirmed more categorically and determined this inalienable right of the Russian nationalities.

The Council of the People's Commissars, executing the will of those Congresses, has decided to lay down as a foundation of its policy toward the problem of Russia's nationalities, the following principles:

1. The equality and sovereignty of Russia's nationalities;

2. The right of Russia's nationalities to free self-determination up to seceding and the organization of an independent State;

4. The free development of the national minorities and ethnographical groups located within the territory of Russia.