Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Terestchenko’s Speech (Resumé) explained
In this chapter, Foreign Minister Terestchenko delivers a speech defending the Provisional Government's foreign policy, arguing for continued alignment with the Allies, secrecy in diplomacy, and opposition to a separate peace with Germany.
What happens
In this chapter, Foreign Minister Terestchenko delivers a speech defending the Provisional Government's foreign policy, arguing for continued alignment with the Allies, secrecy in diplomacy, and opposition to a separate peace with Germany. He rejects calls for publishing secret treaties, warns against German attempts to create buffer states, and insists on Russia's need for Baltic ports, linking foreign policy to internal unity and national interests.
Themes in this chapter
National Self-Determination and Emancipation
Terestchenko discusses the principle of self-determination but rejects autonomy for Lithuania and Livonia, arguing it conflicts with Russia's strategic interests in Baltic ports.
Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
The speech is a bid to legitimize the Provisional Government's foreign policy against critics who demand transparency and a separate peace, reflecting internal power struggles.
Characters to notice
- Mikhail Tereshchenko
Delivers a speech defending the Provisional Government's foreign policy, emphasizing alliance with the Allies, secrecy, and opposition to a separate peace.
- Matvei Skobelev
Referenced in relation to the nakaz (mandate) given to him, though Terestchenko declines to comment on it.
Key passages
“German diplomacy attempts to influence public opinion. … Therefore the declarations of directors of great democratic organisations who talk loudly of a revolutionary Congress, and the impossibility of another winter campaign, are dangerous. … All these declarations cost human lives.”
Terestchenko warns that public statements by democratic leaders about a revolutionary congress and the impossibility of another winter campaign play into German hands and endanger lives.
Highlights the tension between public opinion and wartime secrecy.
“As to the Russian Government, it adhered strictly to the formula of May, ‘No annexations and no punitive indemnities.’ We consider it essential not only to proclaim the self-determination of peoples, but also to renounce imperialist aims.”
Terestchenko reaffirms the government's commitment to the May formula of no annexations or indemnities, and to the principle of self-determination without imperialist goals.
Shows the government's official stance on war aims.
“This Manifesto declared for the autonomy of Lithuania and Livonia; “but that is clearly impossible,” said Terestchenko, “for Russia must have free ports on the Baltic all the year round.”
Terestchenko dismisses the Dutch-Scandinavian Committee's proposal for Lithuanian and Livonian autonomy, arguing Russia needs year-round Baltic ports.
Illustrates the conflict between national self-determination and Russian strategic interests.