January 7th.

We received with joy your communication regarding the proclamation of autonomy for the mountain peoples. From your communication the Soviet government was able to convince itself that the policy of Soviet Russia toward the nations entering into the Russian Federation enjoys your sympathy. Soviet Russia grants autonomy to all peoples on its territory and supports the formation by them of local republics, in accordance with the principle of the right of every people to self-determination. Only this principle makes it possible to establish fraternal relations, founded on mutual understanding and mutual trust, which exist between all nations entering into Soviet Russia. Only such a policy strengthens and unites all nations of Russia into one great and mighty family, capable of struggling against the countless enemies surrounding us. By forming one great whole, we not only repel the direct attacks of our enemies, but, beyond this, make ourselves invulnerable against all manner of intrigues to which our common opponents resort. I am pleased to state that the measures taken by us toward small nations have been correctly interpreted by you and are met on your part with a reception that can only prove favorable to the establishment of good mutual understanding and mutual trust.