Pravda No. 36, May 3 (April 20), 1917.

We have been informed that the Executive Committee of the Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies has just received a Note which our Provisional Government forwarded to all its representatives abroad.

This Note, apparently, is that very “statement” which N. S. Chkheidze had expected to be issued within three days and which was to contain definite pronouncements against annexations.

But what do we find?

The Note contains a forthright declaration by the Provisional Government to the effect that Russia will fight to the end, that Russia remains true to her obligations to the Allies.

This Note has had the effect of a bombshell.

Among the majority of the Executive Committee, Chkheidze, Tsereteli, and others, there is complete bewilderment. The bankruptcy of the entire policy of “agreements” is obvious—and it has come much sooner than we expected.

Talk in the Contact Commission will not end the imperialist war.

Source: Marxist Internet Archive