PEACE PR0P0SALS

Lenin seized upon the opportunity presented by my trip ofinvestigation to make a definite statement of the position of theSoviet Government. He always was opposed by Trotski and the generals, butwithout much difficulty got the support of the majority of theexecutive council, and the statement of the position of the SovietGovernment which was handed to me was finally adopted unanimously.

My discussion of this proposal with the leaders of the SovietGovernment was so detailed that I feel sure of my ground in sayingthat it does not represent the minimum terms of the Soviet Government,and that I can point out in detail wherein it may be modified withoutmaking it unacceptable to the Soviet Government. For example, theclause under article 5--"and to their own nationals who have been ormay be prosecuted for giving help to Soviet Russia"--is certainly notof vital importance. And the clause under article 4, in regard toadmission of citizens of the soviet republics of Russia into theallied and associated countries, may certainly be changed in such away as to reserve all necessary rights to control such immigration tothe allied and associated countries, and to confine it to persons whocome on legitimate and necessary business, and to exclude definitelyall possibility of an influx of propagandists.