DRAFT RUSSIAN PROPOSAL AT THE BREST-LITOVSK CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES 7 December 1917 Mirnye Peregovory, p. 28     In accordance with the public declarations of both contracting parties that they cherish no designs of conquest and that they desire to conclude a peace without annexations, Russia will withdraw its troops from all parts of Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Persia which it occupies, while the Powers of the Quadruple Alliance will withdraw theirs from Poland, Lithuania, Courland, and other regions of Russia.     In accordance with the principles of the Russian Government, which has proclaimed the right of all peoples without exception living in Russia to self-determination, including even separation, the populations in these districts will be given the opportunity at a definite date in the near future of deciding freely the question of their union with one or another State or of forming independent States. The presence of any troops apart from national and local militia in the territories where a plebiscite is being held shall not be permitted. Until this question is settled, the administration of these regions must remain in the hands of representatives of the local population elected on a democratic basis. The date of evacuation, depending on the course of demobilization, shall be determined by a special military commission. Documents on Soviet Foreign Policy [Subject] [Author] [Date]