headquarters.

Trotzky sent a note to the representatives of neutral powers in
Petrograd, informing them of his proposal for an armistice, and stating
"The consummation of an immediate peace is demanded in all countries,
both belligerent and neutral. The Russian Government counts on the firm
support of workmen in all countries in this struggle for peace." Lenine,
however, declared that Russia did not contemplate a separate peace with
Germany, and that the Russian Government, before agreeing to an
armistice, would communicate with the Allies and make a certain proposal
to the imperialistic governments of France and England, rejection of
which would place them in open opposition to the wishes of their own
people.

A period of turmoil followed. In the meantime elections for the
Constituent Assembly were held. The result in Petrograd was announced as
272,000 votes for the Bolsheviki, 211,000 for the Constitutional
Democrats, and 116,000 for the Social Revolutionaries, showing that the
Bolsheviki failed to attain a majority. Notwithstanding the prevailing
chaos, the Lenine-Trotzky Government persisted in negotiations for an
armistice, and it was arranged that the first conference be held at the
German headquarters at Brest-Litovsk.

The Russian delegates were Kamenev, whose real name was Rosenfelt, a
well known Bolshevist leader; Sokolnikov, a sailor; Bithenko, a soldier,
and Mstislasky, who had formerly been librarian to the General Staff,
but who was now a strong Socialist. Representatives were present of
Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria.

After many interchanges of opinion a suspension of hostilities for ten
days was authorized, to be utilized in bringing to a conclusion
negotiations for an armistice. On December 7th it was announced from
Petrograd that for the first time since the war not a shot was fired on
the Russian front. Foreign Secretary Trotzky, on the 6th of December,
notified the allied embassies in Petrograd of these negotiations and
added that the armistice would be signed only on condition that the
troops should not be transferred from one front to another. He announced
that negotiations had been suspended to afford the Allied Governments
opportunity to define their attitude toward the peace negotiation; that
is, their willingness or refusal to participate in negotiations for an
armistice and peace. In case of refusal they must declare clearly and
definitely before all mankind the aims for w