The decree of the Council of the People's Commissars
On the Republic of Finland,
December 18, 1917^*

In response to the proposal of the Finnish Government concerning the recognition of the independence of the Republic of Finland, the Council of People's Commissars, in full accordance with the principle of the nations right to self-determination, has decided
to propose the following to the Executive Central Committee:

a) The full recognition of the independence of the Republic of Finland

and b) The forming of a special committee, consisting of the representatives of both parties. This committee, acting with the approval of the Finnish government, will plan the necessary measures resulting to the secession of Finland from Russia.

The Chairman of the Council of the People's Commissars:
V.Ulyanov (Lenin)

People's Commissars:
L.Trotsky, G.Petrovsky, J.Stalin, I.Steinberg, V.Karelin, A.Schlichter

The Chief of Bureau of the Council of the People's Commissars:
Vlad.Bontsh-Bruyevitsh

The Council's secretary:
N.Gorbunov

See the image of document

*   December 31, 1917 New Style