Remember, comrades, that at the front, in the trenches, you are now standing in defense of Russia’s freedom.  You defend the Revolution, you defend your brothers, the workers and peasants.  Let this defense be worthy of the great cause and the great sacrifices already made by you. It is impossible to defend the front if, as has been decided, the soldiers are not to leave the trenches under any circumstances.[19] At times only an attack can repulse and prevent the advance of the enemy.  At times awaiting an attack means patiently waiting for death.  Again, only the change to an advance may save you or your brothers, on other sections of the front, from destruction.

Remember this, comrades—­soldiers!  Having sworn to defend Russian freedom, do not refuse to start the offensive the military situation may require.  The freedom and happiness of Russia are in your hands.

    In defending this freedom be on the lookout for betrayal and
    trickery.  The fraternization which is developing on the front can
    easily turn into such a trap.

Revolutionary armies may fraternize, but with whom?  With an army also revolutionary, which has decided to die for peace and freedom.  At present, however, not only in the German army, but even in the Austro-Hungarian army, in spite of the number of individuals politically conscious and honest, there is no revolution.  In those countries the armies are still blindly following Wilhelm and Charles, the landowners and capitalists, and agree to annexation of foreign soil, to robberies and violence.  There the General Staff will make use not only of your credulity, but also of the blind obedience of their soldiers.  You go out to fraternize with open hearts.  And to meet you an officer of the General Staff leaves the enemies’ trenches, disguised as a common soldier.  You speak with the enemy without any trickery.  At that very time he photographs the surrounding territory.  You stop the shooting to fraternize, but behind the enemies’ trenches artillery is being moved, new positions built and troops transferred.

Comrades—­soldiers, not by fraternization will you get peace, not by separate agreements made at the front by single companies, battalions, or regiments.  Not in separate peace or in a separate truce lies the salvation of the Russian Revolution, the triumph of peace for the whole world.

The people who assure you that fraternizing is the road to peace lead you to destruction.  Do not believe them.  The road to peace is a different one.  It has been pointed out to you already by the Council of Workmen’s and Soldiers’ Deputies:  tread it.  Sweep aside everything that weakens your fighting power, that brings into the army disorganization and loss of spirit.

Your fighting power serves the cause of peace.  The Council of Workmen’s and Soldiers’ Deputies is able to continue its