depart one iota" from Russia's imperialistic demands was taken by the Allies as the appeal of Russia.
The less notice did they take of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets, which was held at the same time, and expressed the views of the democracy on war and peace no less definitely. Its Resolution on War was ratified by numerous workers' organisations and army units, and by the Minsk Congress of the army at the front. It expressed the definite policy "to which the revolutionary democracy is pledged and from which it will not depart," and marks an important stage in the struggle for peace:
"In its proclamation of the 14th of March to the peoples of the world, the Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Delegates announced the unalterable decision of the Russian democracy to realise in its foreign policy the same principles of freedom and justice which it had proclaimed for the internal life of Russia.
"Numerous assemblies of workers, soldiers and citizens throughout Russia have confirmed this decision and expressed the will of the people, which, having stood out for its own freedom, will not allow its revolutionary inspiration to be used for acts of violence against other peoples, or for open or covert aims of annexation and indemnities.
"The Executive Committee of the Soviet has entered into relations with the Provisional Government, pointing out the immediate necessity for free Russia to renounce all the aims of conquest of Tsarism.
"On March 27 the Provisional Government published its manifesto to the citizens of Russia. The Russian democracy attaches great significance to this act of the Provisional Government, and sees in it an important step towards the realisation of democratic principles in the realm of foreign politics. The Soviets will energetically support every step of the Provisional Government in this direction, and they summon all peoples, whether of the Allied countries or of those of war with Russia, to bring pressure to bear on their
