Comrades!

The declaration of Vikzhel is, without doubt, nothing other than a simple misunderstanding. Can you admit, even for a moment, that troops, conscious of their revolutionary duty, struggling for the interests of the people, upon approaching Headquarters, would begin to destroy everything and everyone without presenting demands, without explanation of why they came, at least to the soldiers surrounding Headquarters? You understand, comrades, that such a thing is impossible. A revolutionary army, understanding what it is doing, wants those to whom it appeals to know what is being demanded of them. In presenting demands, more was done, it was indicated, it was explained that resistance is resistance to the will of the people, a grave crime not only in the ordinary sense, but a moral crime against freedom, the interests and the most lofty aspirations of the people. A revolutionary army never fires the first shot, and acts with hostility only against those who seize and oppress the people. If it were otherwise, the word revolution would lose its meaning. I cannot but draw attention to the fact that Vikzhel, while leveling unverified accusations, declares at the same time its "neutrality." Vikzhel has not the slightest right to this. In the days of revolutionary struggle, when every minute is precious, when disagreement—when neutrality gives the opponent the opportunity to have his say, and when he will nonetheless be listened to, when they do not hasten to aid the people in its struggle for its most sacred rights—such a position I cannot possibly call neutrality. It is not neutrality; a revolutionary would call this incitement. (Applause.) Through such a position you incite the generals to act; by not supporting us, you stand against the people.

General Dukhomin needs only to delay the armistice. By assisting him, you are sabotaging the armistice. Consider what grave responsibility falls upon you and how the people will regard you?

Further, Comrade Lenin states that in certain places the telegraph is being sabotaged. The Government remains without information, while opposing camps spread absurd rumors. The example of the Polish battalions, which allegedly are acting against the government. Meanwhile, the Poles have repeatedly declared that they are not interfering in Russian affairs and will not interfere henceforth, and a declaration has also been received from them that they are for the armistice.