BRINKMANN] "_January 20, 1918._--The negotiations have now come to this: that Trotski declares his intention of laying the German proposals before Petersburg, though he cannot accept them himself; he undertakes, in any case, to return here.

As to calling in representatives from the outer provinces, he will only do this provided he is allowed to choose them.

We cannot agree to this.

With the Ukrainians, who, despite their youth, are showing themselves quite sufficiently grown to profit by the situation, negotiations are proceeding but slowly.

First they demanded East Galicia for the new 'Ukrainia.' This could not be entertained for a moment.