Resolution of the Russian Duma against acceptance of the German Peace Proposals, December 15, 1916

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WWI Document Archive > 1916 Documents > Official Communications and Speeches Relating to Peace Proposals 1916-1917 > Resolution of the Russian Duma against acceptance of the German Peace Proposals, December 15, 1916


Resolution of the Russian Duma against acceptance of the German Peace Proposals, December 15, 19161

     The Duma having heard the statement of the Minister for Foreign
Affairs is unanimously in favour of a categorical refusal by the Al-
lied Governments to enter under present conditions into any peace
negotiations whatever. It considers that the German proposals are
nothing more than a fresh proof of the weakness of the enemy,
and are a hypocritical act from which the enemy expects no real
success, but by which he seeks to throw upon others the responsibility
for the war and for what has happened during it, and to exculpate
itself before public opinion in Germany.
     The Duma considers that a premature peace would not only be
a brief period of calm, but would involve the danger of another
bloody war and renewed deplorable sacrifices on the part of the
people.
     It considers that a lasting peace will be possible only after a de-
cisive victory over the military power of the enemy, and after the
definite renunciation by Germany of the aspirations which render
her responsible for the world war and for the horrors by which it
is accompanied.


1The Times, London, December 16, 1916