[November 15 (28), 1917]

You offered me the organization of a group of staff officers and generals, possessing higher military education and wishing to engage in the development of military-technical questions of an armistice that would allow Russia, without violating its interests, to obtain a suspension of hostilities.
I would very much ask you, in view of the extreme urgency of this matter, to assemble your group tomorrow morning and send me tomorrow evening at least a brief summary of the main questions, points, and considerations of an armistice agreement. (Definition of the front line, condition on non-withdrawal of troops to other fronts, control measures, and so on and so forth), and also to indicate the person or persons who could, with full knowledge of the matter, directly participate in the negotiations.
I earnestly request you to reply to me by messenger.