[June 30, 1918]

June 30, 1918
Secret
To People's Commissar Stalin
Tsaritsyn
Today, June 30, a message was received from Ioffe from Berlin,
that Kühlmann1 had a preliminary conversation with Ioffe. From
this conversation it is clear that the Germans agree to compel the Turks
to cease military operations beyond the Brest border, establishing for us a precise demarcation line. They promise
not to allow the Turks into Baku, but wish to receive oil. Ioffe
replied that we will strictly adhere to Brest, but fully
agree with the principle of "give to receive". Pay special attention to this message and try to convey it to
Shaumyan as quickly as possible, for now there are the most serious chances to
hold Baku. We will, of course, give some oil.
Lenin