In St. Petersburg, within the Winter Palace, in the office of Ulyanov, Joseph was presenting the German demands to him. As Ulyanov's assistant, Joseph had been responsible for maintaining communication with the Germans. Before the success of the Bolshevik revolution, Germany had been their most significant supporter, which placed Joseph in a position of considerable influence within the party, second only to Ulyanov.
"Leader, the Germans have expressed their desire to negotiate with us. How shall we respond?" Joseph inquired.
"Negotiate? What do the Germans intend? Do they seek to exploit this opportunity for extortion?" Ulyanov frowned. Ever since accepting German assistance, he had anticipated this day would come; however, he had not expected it to arrive so swiftly. The Germans were not known for their generosity.
"Leader, from my understanding of the Germans, they are likely serious about taking a substantial portion from us this time," Joseph replied.
"Alas! Accepting their support was a necessity. Had we not done so, our very survival would have been at stake, let alone the success of the revolution," Ulyanov sighed.
"Leader, it was a choice we had to make for the sake of our cause," Joseph said.
Ulyanov nodded, "Since the Germans wish to negotiate, let us proceed. However, we must aim to concede as little as possible. Russia is on the verge of our rule, and for us to grow stronger in the future, we must establish a solid foundation."
"Indeed, Leader. Yet, the Germans hold a distinct advantage, making it challenging for us to refuse their demands," Joseph remarked.
Ulyanov felt a bitter pang within; the German military strength was overwhelming. If they rejected German demands, the impending assault from their forces would not only result in significant territorial losses but potentially lead to their ultimate defeat. The stakes were dire, and if the Germans chose to disclose evidence of their prior support, it could deliver a devastating blow.
"Let us engage in negotiations with the Germans. Should their terms be reasonable, we can accept them; if excessively harsh, we shall endeavor to refuse," Ulyanov declared.
"Understood, Leader," Joseph nodded.
Following this, Ulyanov convened a meeting of the Bolshevik Central Committee to announce the intention to negotiate with Germany. As expected, many members supported the idea, yet they insisted on safeguarding their interests as much as possible.
"Gentlemen, we need to appoint a representative with full authority to negotiate with the Germans. Who do you believe is most suitable?" Ulyanov asked.
"Leader, Comrade Joseph has been the one in contact with the Germans; let him represent us!" Kamenev suggested.
"No, no! Comrade Kamenev, precisely because I have been in contact with the Germans, they know me well. This familiarity will hinder our bargaining position. Therefore, I propose Comrade Trotsky handle the negotiations; he is our foreign affairs commissioner, responsible for external matters," Joseph quickly declined.
Although representing the Bolsheviks in negotiations would bestow significant power, Joseph was keen to avoid this unenviable task. He understood that the negotiations would likely be arduous and filled with demands that would stain anyone's reputation. He had ambitions to succeed Ulyanov upon his retirement or death, and Trotsky was undoubtedly his greatest rival. Thus, Joseph was eager to set a trap for Trotsky.
"Are there any further opinions?" Ulyanov asked.
The others, recognizing the delicate nature of the matter, remained silent.
"Then it shall be Comrade Trotsky representing us in negotiations with the Germans. I have but one requirement: we must protect our interests as much as possible," Ulyanov stated.
"Certainly, Leader. I shall do my utmost," Trotsky replied, accepting the task.
After discussions, the Germans and Bolsheviks agreed to negotiate in Brest. The German delegation was led by Foreign Minister von Kiderlen-Waechter, while the Bolshevik side was represented by Trotsky.
On December 12, the two sides convened in Brest.
"Comrade Minister, the German Empire and your party have maintained an exceptionally good relationship. Thus, we hope that once your party assumes control in Russia, we can continue to coexist peacefully. However, your involvement in this war has caused considerable losses to Germany. We seek to resolve this conflict through negotiation," von Kiderlen-Waechter proclaimed with a disingenuous smile.
"Excellency, we are also grateful for Germany's support. We sincerely wish to maintain a positive relationship and are willing to negotiate our exit from this conflict. Once we secure power in Russia, we aspire to a lasting peace with the German Empire," Trotsky responded.
In such diplomatic settings, pleasantries were often exchanged; true debates would arise when substantive discussions commenced. This was a classic instance of hypocrisy cloaked in civility.
Nevertheless, it indicated that the atmosphere for the negotiations was relatively amicable—at least on the surface.