Ten Days that Shook the World by John Reed

Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of RussiaA11.2 . The first Congress of Soviets, in June of this year, proclaimed the right of the peoples of Russia to self-determination. / The second Congress of Soviets, in November last, confirmed this inalienable right of the peoples of Russia more decisively and definitely. / Executing the will of these Congresses, the Council of People's Commissars has resolved to establish as a basis for its activity in the question of Nationalities, the following principles:

The equality and sovereignty of the peoples of Russia. / The right of the peoples of Russia to free self-determination, even to the point of separation and the formation of an independent state. / The abolition of any and all national and national religious privileges and disabilities. / The free development of national minorities and ethnographic groups inhabiting the territory of Russia.