4 December

The Senate submits to the parliament a proposal on the new form of government in Finland, and the Senate Chairman, P. E. Svinhufvud, presents to the parliament on behalf of the Senate a declaration of independence. On the same day, the Senate Declaration is published to the Finnish people.

6 December

The parliament ratifies the declaration of independence presented by the Senate.

29 December

Chairman of the Senate, P. E. Svinhufvud, together with Carl Enckell and Gustaf Idman, leave to meet with the Council of People’s Commissars to ask for recognition of independence.

30–31 December

On 30 December, the delegation comprising P. E. Svinhufvud, Carl Enckell and Gustaf Idman is allowed to submit to the Council of People’s Commissars a letter inviting Russia to recognise the sovereignty of Finland. The Commissars’ affirmative answer is obtained shortly before midnight and Svinhufvud gets to personally thank Lenin.