Direct-Line Conversation With L. D. Trotsky

Chairman Of The Soviet Peace Delegation
At Brest-Litovsk

January 3 (16), 1918

Written 3 January, 1918 · First published 1929 in the magazine Proletarskaya Revolutsia No. 5. Publshished according to the telegraph tape. · page 427

1

Lenin here. I have just received your special letter. Stalin is away and I have not yet been able to show it to him. I think your plan is worth discussing. Can its final implementation be somewhat deferred, and the final decision taken after a special Central Executive Committee meeting over here? I shall show the letter to Stalin as soon as he returns.

Lenin.

2

I should like to consult Stalin before replying to your question. A delegation of the Kharkov Ukrainian Central Executive Committee, which has assured me that the Kiev Rada is on its last legs, is leaving today to join you.

Lenin.

3

Stalin has just arrived, I shall discuss it with him, and will shortly let you know our joint reply.

Lenin.

4

Please inform Trotsky. Request arrange adjournment and return to Petrograd.

Lenin. Stalin.