Written: December 18/31, 1917
Source: Pauli Kruhse's History of Finland website
Transcription/Markup: Zdravko Saveski
Online Version: marxists.org 2017
The Soviet of People's Commissars
Petrograd
December 18, 1917
No. 101
As the answer to the appeal of the Finnish Government to recognise the independence of the Republic of Finland, the Soviet of People's Commissars, in full accordance with the principle of nations' right to self-determination, HAS DECIDED:
To propose to the Central Executive Committee that:
a. The independence of the Republic of Finland as a country is recognised, and
b. A special Commission, in agreement with the Finnish Government, comprising members of both parties, should be instituted to elaborate those practical measures that follow from the partition of Finland from Russia.
Chairman of the Soviet of People's Commissars
Vl. Ulianov (Lenin)
People's Commissars:
L. Trotski
G. Petrovski
J. Stalin
I. Steinberg
V. Karelin
A. Schlichter
The Chief of Bureau
Vlad. Bonch-Bruevich
Secretary of the Soviet
N. Gorbunov