by the conference in consultation with representatives of those neutral States which are prepared to assume the responsibility for the provisioning of Russia.

          8.  Provision shall be made by the conference for a
          mutual exchange of transit and port privileges among
          the several signatories.

9.  The Governments which have been set up on the territory of the former Russian Empire and Finland shall recognize their responsibility for the financial obligations of the former Russian Empire to foreign States parties to this agreement and to the nationals of such States.  Detailed arrangements for discharging these obligations shall be agreed upon by the conference, regard being had to the present financial situation of Russia.

10.  The conference shall be competent to discuss and determine any other matter which bears upon the provisioning of Russia, the problem of establishing peace within the territory of the former Russian Empire, including Finland, and the reestablishment of international relations among the signatories.

Mr. BULLITT.  I also prepared at the orders of Col.  House------

Senator KNOX.  What attitude did you take toward the Nansen proposal?

Mr. BULLITT.  At first I opposed it.  I was in favor of the original plan.

Senator KNOX.  You were in favor of the original plan?

Mr. BULLITT.  I was in favor of direct, straightforward action in the matter.  However, I found that there was no use in kicking against the pricks, that I was unable to persuade the commission that my point of view was the correct one.  Therefore at the request of Col.  House I wrote out a reply to Dr. Nansen, in which I embodied a peace proposal so that it would have meant a peace conference via Nansen, which was what was desired.

Senator BRANDEGEE.  Was that letter delivered to Nansen?

Mr. BULLITT.  No.  I gave this reply of mine to Col.  House.  Col.  House read it and said he would approve it, but that before he gave it to the President and to Lloyd George as his solution of the way to deal with this Russian matter, he wished it considered by his international law experts, Mr. Auchincloss and Mr. Miller, and it was thereupon turned over that afternoon to Mr. Auchincloss and Mr. Miller.  Does the Senator desire this document?

Senator KNOX.  I do not regard it as material.  It was not accepted?

Mr. BULLITT.  It was not accepted.  What happened in regard to this was that Mr. Auchincloss and Mr. Miller, to correct its legal language, produced a proposition which was entirely different, which left out all possibility of the matter coming to a peace conference, and was largely an offer to feed Russia provided Russia put all her railroads in the hands of the allied and associated Governments.  I have that as well.

Senator BRANDEGEE.  Do you object to having that put in the record, Senator Knox?