V. I. Lenin

Resolution Of The All-Russia
Central Executive Committee

January 3 (16), 1918

On the basis of all the achievements of the October Revolution,
and in accordance with the Declaration of the Working and
Exploited People adopted at the meeting of the Central Executive
Committee of January 3, 1918, all power in the Russian Republic
belongs to the Soviets and the Soviet institutions. Accordingly,
any attempt by any person or institution whatsoever to usurp any
of the functions of state power will be regarded as a counter-revolutionary act. All such attempts will be suppressed
by every means at the disposal of the Soviet power, including
the use of armed force.