peace must come immediately; (2) that the offer must come from the Soviet Government; (3) that a fair offer will be accepted by the Esthonians immediately without consultation with France or England, who are supporting them; (4) that free access to Esthonian harbors and free use of Esthonian railroads will be assured the Soviet Government.

7. The Lithuanian situation.—­It is fairly well understood that the Lithuanian Government that is fighting the Bolsheviks is not going to allow itself to be made a tool by the French and British Governments to invade Russian territory.  The Lithuanian Government is desirous of securing possession of Lithuanian territory, but beyond that it is understood it will not go.

8. The Finnish situation.—­The Soviet Government is in close touch with the Finnish situation and has little fear of an invasion of Russia from that direction.  The Finnish Army is without question a third Red; probably a half Red; possibly two-thirds Red.  There is even reported to be a tendency on a part of certain of the White Guards to oppose intervention in Russia.  One of the Finnish regiments in Esthonia has returned to Finland, and it is supposed that it will assist the proposed revolution of the Finns in East Karelia against the Soviet Government.  The Soviet Government has sent a committee to Helsingfors to arrange economic relations with Finland, and it is said that this committee carries threats of reprisals on the part of the Soviet Government against the Finns in Petrograd unless the treaty is negotiated.  It is said in Petrograd that some of the Finns have already left Petrograd in anticipation that the Finnish Government will not be permitted to make any arrangement with the Soviet Government because of the attitude of certain of the allied representatives in Helsingfors.

9. Improvement in food conditions.—­The suspension of passenger traffic from March 18 to April 10 has resulted in the Government bringing to Petrograd 60 to 100 cars of food each day, and one sees large quantities of food being transported about the city.  At Easter time it is hoped to be able to give 3 pounds of white bread to the population of Petrograd.  There also seems to be a larger supply of food for private purchase in the city.  Mr. Shiskin has recently been able to buy 3 geese, a sucking pig, 2 splendid legs of veal, and roasts of beef at from 40 to 50 rubles a pound, which, considering the value of the ruble, is much less than it sounds.  Shiskin has also been able recently to get eggs, milk, honey, and butter, together with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.  My bill for food for 11 days with Mr. Shiskin was about 1,300 rubles.

10. Order in Petrograd.—­About three weeks ago there were several strikes in factories in Petrograd and Lenin came to talk to the strikers.  Apparently the matter was settled satisfactorily and the workers were given the