1941: Lithuania

Lithuania suffered the fate of the other Baltic countries during 1941. Russian rule became increasingly severe until it was abruptly stopped by the German invasion in June. A Lithuanian government ruled under German auspices for a month, but soon Germany had established a reign of terror, which drastically reduced the Lithuanian standard of living and accorded Lithuanians similar treatment to that of the harshly oppressed Poles.

Russian Domination.

The Soviet Union took numerous measures to make Lithuania lose its individuality within the U.S.S.R. and to keep out all foreign influence — especially German. An agreement with Germany was concluded on Jan. 10 to end German commercial relations with Lithuania and the other Baltic countries, and to provide for the emigration of the many German refugees who had been preparing to enter the Reich since the fall of 1939. These 45,000 people had complicated Lithuania's economic problems and had given rise to a good deal of anxiety about German racial theories. A further move to settle outstanding Russo-German problems with regard to Lithuania was made on Feb. 15, when a German commission arrived in Moscow to discuss redemarkation of the German-Lithuanian frontier.

The Lithuanian people stubbornly refrained from unnecessarily associating themselves with their conquerors. Lithuanians were accepted as citizens of the Soviet Union eligible for membership in the Communist Party, but the official Communist organ Pravda reported, shortly before the outbreak of war between Germany and Russia, that there were only about 200 Party members and applicants for membership in Vilna. On June 8, a Kaunas United Press dispatch stated that the Soviet Lithuanian Government had accused well-to-do farmers (kulaks) of sabotaging spring sowing, and had ordered their immediate indictment. It was announced that these offenders would be deprived of the use of land and common houses, and that their cattle would be subject to confiscation — measures reminiscent of the 'liquidation' of kulaks in the U.S.S.R. during the winter of 1929-30.

Economic conditions in Lithuania became steadily worse under Russian direction. Shortly before the outbreak of Nazi-Soviet hostilities it was reported that, although the rate of exchange between the ruble and the lit was fixed at 8 lits to 7 rubles, prices were many times higher in rubles than they had been in lits. The price of a pound of sausage, for instance, rose from 1.60 lits to 7.50 rubles, ordinary meat from .90 lits to 3 or 4 rubles, and black bread from .25 or .30 lits to .70 rubles. More than 60,000 Lithuanians were exiled to Siberia, according to estimates of Jonas Budrys, Consul General in New York City. On June 20 it was revealed that the Russians had created a belt of devastation sixty miles wide along the German-Lithuanian border by destroying bridges, railroads and entire villages.

German Invasion.

The first reaction of Lithuanians to the German invasion was the hope that they would be liberated from their Russian oppressors, or that Soviet attention would be diverted enough to enable patriots to expel the Russians and set up an independent state. On June 22, a Lithuanian flag was raised in the garden of the old Lithuanian Legation in Berlin, which had been closed since September 1940, and a guard of honor was established there by fifty Lithuanians. Reports from Berlin on June 23 stated that the Kaunas radio had announced the formation of a new Lithuanian Government under Kazys Skirpa, former Minister to Berlin. On June 24 German troops arrived in Kaunas. They drove out the Russians but did not show much respect for the independent Lithuanian régime which had been quickly set up in time to welcome them; and in November it was learned that Kazys Skirpa was living in the Tyrol.

On July 17, Hitler decreed the inclusion of Lithuania in 'Ostland Province' as part of Germany, to be ruled by Reichskommissar Heinrich Lohse, authority on the 'Hanseatic' background and economic problems of the Baltic states. Ernst Kube, a Gestapo member with experience in running a concentration camp, was made Herr Lohse's chief political assistant, and Dr. Adrian von Renteln was named General Commissioner for Lithuania. Other administrative posts were given to native Germans, rather than to would-be puppets or Baltic Germans, who had been transplanted to other parts of the Reich. A government-sponsored corporation called the 'Norddeutsche Gesellschaft' was formed to insure Nazi control over economic life in the Baltic countries. Ostland Province, as well as all other conquered Russian territory, was placed under the direct supervision of Baltic-born Reichsminister Alfred Rosenberg.

In general Lithuanian economic conditions were even worse under Germany than they had been under Russia. Food was scarce and strictly rationed. On Sept. 5, a news dispatch from Berlin reported that Reichskommissar Lohse had issued a decree empowering himself to draft any Lithuanian inhabitant to work away from home. See ESTONIA; LATVIA; U.S.S.R.

1940: Lithuania

Soviet Encirclement.

When the mutual assistance treaty between the Soviet Union and Lithuania was signed, on Oct. 10, 1939, and Lithuania was permitted to regain her old capital, Vilna, it seemed that the little republic would enjoy complete internal autonomy, under Russian protection.

The Russian garrison, which, following the mutual assistance treaty, was stationed on Lithuanian territory, did not interfere with the internal life of the republic. The situation was economically deplorable, especially due to the great number of refugees from Poland. In the first months of 1940, it seemed, however, reasonable to expect that most of the refugees would be either absorbed or would succeed in leaving the country for some other place of refuge. This was the period of the so-called 'phony war.'

Soon, the European war became less 'phony,' and Germany successively invaded Norway, Holland, Belgium and France. Soviet Russia, on the other hand, expanded her frontiers by annexing parts of Poland and Finland, after the unhappy Russo-Finnish war.

However, the conquests of Germany unbalanced to such an extent the European power relations, that Soviet Russia again began to feel insecure, especially after Germany tried to gain a foothold in the three small Baltic countries.

Whatever the truth of a so-called secret agreement between Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia may be, it served as an excuse for Russia to absorb the three small republics. As usually in such cases, also some incidents, of rather minor importance but conveniently exploited, occurred. A few Russian soldiers stationed on Lithuanian soil were kidnapped and one Red Army soldier seems to have been killed by the Lithuanian police. Immediately a protest far beyond the importance of the case was made by Premier Molotov. Many arrests followed the Soviet charges, and one of the arrested, it was alleged, admitted working on behalf of a foreign government.

It soon became apparent that the 'kidnapping' case would serve as a pretext for comprehensive political demands by the Soviet government. Russia addressed an ultimatum to the government of Lithuania, charging Lithuania with having violated the spirit of the mutual assistance pact, in signing a secret military treaty with Latvia and Estonia. The Russians demanded that the Lithuanian Minister of the Interior and the Head of the Police be tried for the shooting of a Red Army soldier by the police. The Russians asked that sufficient troops be permitted to enter Lithuania to avoid the repetition of 'provocations.' Furthermore, the ultimatum requested that the future government of Lithuania be of such a nature as to permit cooperation with Soviet Russia. One hour before the time set in the ultimatum, it was accepted by the Lithuanian government. Its acceptance was communicated to Moscow by Foreign Minister Juozas Urbsys, and Soviet troops immediately occupied the key cities of Vilna, Sianliai, Penevezys, and Rossieny, on June 15.

President Antanas Smetona and several officials fled to Germany, where they were interned by the Nazi authorities. President Smetona remained in Germany until the middle of September, when he received a United States diplomatic visa and went to Switzerland.

Following the ultimatum and the occupation of the country by Soviet troops, the government headed by Mr. Antonas Merkys resigned, Mr. Merkys assuming the functions of President Smetona in the interval, until a government acceptable to Russia would be formed. Two days later, the two other Baltic States, Latvia and Estonia, were likewise occupied by Russian troops.

On June 17, Mr. Justas Paleckis, forty-one year old journalist and left-wing socialist, became Premier of Lithuania and formed a Cabinet satisfactory to Russia.

The new Premier denounced the former government as 'a personal dictatorship' and declared himself in favor of close relations with the Soviet Union. All Communist prisoners were freed, and the Communist Party legalized. Elections to a new Parliament, which, in effect, were a referendum on the incorporation of Lithuania in the Soviet Union, were called. There was virtually only one election ticket of the 'working people's block,' consisting of 'workers, peasants and employed intellectuals.' All other tickets had been rejected on technical grounds.

Later it was reported that 90 per cent of the electors went to the polls and voted the single ticket on the ballots.

Lithuania Becomes a Soviet Socialist Republic.

The newly elected Parliament, as expected, unanimously agreed, on Aug. 25, to adopt a Soviet Constitution and to become a Soviet Socialist Republic. The agreement only countersigned the decision of the seventh session of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. which, on Aug. 7, had granted the demands for incorporation presented by a delegation from Lithuania. Mr. Paleckis was appointed President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, while Deputies Baranauskas and Gedvilas, respectively, were made President of the provisional Supreme Soviet and President of the Council of People's Commissars. The Supreme Soviet of Lithuania also voted to transfer the Lithuanian capital from Kaunas to Vilna, before May 1, 1941. Thus disappeared the independent Lithuanian Republic, created after the World War. Thus Lithuania became one of the Socialist Soviet Republics which compose the Soviet Union.

By the incorporation of Lithuania, Russian territory increased by 22,959 square miles, and her population by 2,879,070. According to a resettlement treaty, signed between Germany and Russia, the 45,000 Germans of Lithuania are to be repatriated.

British and American Reactions.

The Soviet absorption of the Baltic States was condemned by Britain and the United States. In a statement issued on July 22, Mr. Sumner Welles, Under Secretary of State, declared that the political independence and territorial integrity of the Baltic States had been 'deliberately annihilated' by 'devious processes.' The people of the United States, he said, 'are opposed to predatory activities, no matter whether they are carried on by the use of force or by the threat of force. They are likewise opposed to any form of intervention on the part of one State, however powerful, in the domestic concerns of any other State, however weak.'

As it did in the case of the countries occupied by Germany, the United States Government proceeded to freeze Baltic securities in this country, unofficially estimated at $17,000,000, and denied clearance to ten or eleven ships of the Baltic countries, which happened to be in American ports at the time when the Soviet Union absorbed Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Similar action was taken by the British government, which froze Baltic securities estimated at £4,000,000 sterling. The British government is holding in its ports about thirty Baltic vessels claimed by the Soviet Union.

The attitude of Britain and the United States was vigorously criticized by Mr. Molotov in an address to the Supreme Soviet. On Aug. 1, Mr. Molotov described the decision of the American Government to hold the property of the Baltic States as being 'illegal,' and accused the United States of imperialist designs on European possessions in the Western Hemisphere.

Social Reforms.

Following the Soviet absorption of Lithuania, social reforms along Bolshevik lines have been introduced in the country. All Lithuanian farms exceeding 30 hectares (75 acres) have been expropriated. Large estates and church property have been taken over for division among peasants with little or no land. Religious marriages have been abolished and civil ceremonies introduced. Any Lithuanian couple failing to register in a town-hall before receiving the blessing of a priest is subject to arrest and to a fine up to 5,000 litas. However, the church marriage after the civil ceremony is not prohibited, but is considered a personal matter without legal value.

Divorces, which until the incorporation were virtually impossible in predominantly Catholic Lithuania, have been made legal. The Concordat with the Vatican has been cancelled by the leftist government. Most of the Jewish newspapers, especially the Zionist papers, have been banned. However, no complete assimilation of the Lithuanian Soviet Republic into the rest of the Soviet Union seems to have occurred by the end of 1940. While, for instance, no exit permits are issued for residents of the Soviet Union, the refugees in Lithuania, and especially in Vilna, are still given the opportunity to leave the country, if in possession of a visa from an overseas country. Thus, hundreds and even thousands who were known for their nationalist or even anti-communist activities, were allowed to leave Lithuania.

The gradual assimilation is, however, going on, and the collectivization of farms has already begun. It is to be expected that in the near future the former republic of Lithuania will be just one more soviet republic within the U.S.S.R. and that the still existing social and economic differences between the old and the newly annexed territories will soon disappear. It is, however, worth noticing that the Soviet government, in the recently acquired areas, does not introduce bolshevization at once, but tries to make the transition as smooth as possible.

1939: Lithuania

After the World War Lithuania, together with other small Baltic nations, regained her independence from Russia, lost at the end of the 18th century. The Soviet Union accepted the resurrection of these nations, and as long as it was itself absorbed in domestic problems and followed an international policy in favor of collective security, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland were quite secure in their recently acquired independent political existences. But because of increasing economic nationalism throughout Europe and the developing war economy of Germany and other great Powers, these small states could not achieve economic prosperity, and their standard of living remained very low. As economic units they were too small to influence the general tendency towards self-sufficiency, and politically they were too weak to have a voice in the political problems of Europe. Their only hope of retaining real independence lay in the establishment of an effective system of collective security.

Unfortunately, events suddenly took a tragic course, and the small Baltic countries with their military and economic weaknesses could not expect, in the face of a European war, to defend by their own strength their newly regained independence. Under the system of power politics, the independent existence of all small nations is, at best, precarious. This is even more true of a country like Lithuania, situated in a strategic but indefensible position on the Eastern Baltic between two great European countries, Soviet Russia and Germany. Sooner or later Lithuania was bound to be dominated by one or the other of her powerful neighbors.

During 1939, Lithuania seemed at first destined to become a German satellite. After the conclusion, however, of the German-Soviet agreement of August 1939 by which the Soviet Union was granted a free hand in the Eastern Baltic, recognized by Germany as a Russian sphere of influence, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania became virtual protectorates of the Soviet Union. (See also BALTIC ENTENTE.)

Memel.

Protectorate Created by the League of Nations.

After the reconstitution of Lithuanian independence in 1922, the question of Memel and Vilna became the most troublesome one confronting the republic. Memel, a thin strip of land lying along the river Niemen on the northern border of East Prussia and inhabited by a population of about 150,000, had been preponderantly German since the 13th century. It formed a part of the German Empire until the Versailles Treaty detached it from Germany and set it up as a protectorate under the League of Nations. The purpose of the protectorate (not unlike the régime set up by the Versailles Treaty for the city of Danzig) was to give to the newly created republic of Lithuania an outlet to the sea, which it would otherwise lack.

In January 1923 while the status of Memel under the League was still somewhat uncertain, it was seized by Lithuania. A special inter-allied commission sent to investigate the situation had to bow to the fait accompli, and the League Commissioner was withdrawn. The territory of Memel was, however, not unconditionally attached to Lithuania, but was made semi-autonomous by a Convention signed in Paris on May 8, 1924. The Memel Convention set up under Lithuanian sovereignty an autonomous Parliament or Landtag, and Executive, called the Memel Directorate. Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan were the guarantors of the Memel Convention and of Lithuanian respect for the autonomous régime so created.

Nazi Influence in Memel.

While occasional difficulties presented themselves, the Memel Convention functioned satisfactorily on the whole until 1935. In the elections to the Landtag of 1935, the Nazis won a majority under the leadership of Dr. Ernst Neumann. While at that time the National-Socialists in Memel did not demand reunion with Germany, the difficulties between the Lithuanian Government and the Nazi-dominated Memel Directorate were constantly increasing.

In the elections to the Landtag of December 12, 1938, the National-Socialists polled 87.1 per cent of the total vote. The elections were conducted under the slogans, 'Home to the Reich' and 'One people, one state, one Fuehrer.' While considerable intimidation of the voters, after the familiar Nazi pattern, prevailed during the elections, there remained, nevertheless, little doubt that the majority of the inhabitants of Memel favored a reunion with Greater Germany. The Nazi storm troopers of Memel really dominated the territory, and at the end of 1938 the Lithuanian authority there was more nominal than real. It became quite apparent that Memel would remain under Lithuanian sovereignty only as long as power politics would allow it, and that the fate of the territory would be decided neither by its inhabitants nor the Lithuanian Government. Whenever Germany considered the time ripe to resolve in her favor the Memel question, without serious complications, she would do so, and the Lithuanian Government would be compelled to bow to her might. After Munich no one expected that the nations responsible for the autonomous régime in Memel — especially Great Britain and France — would fight to protect it.

Annexation by Reich.

After the final absorption of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 the German Government felt that the time had come to strike also in Memel. Juozas Urbsys, Foreign Minister of Lithuania, was invited to Berlin and presented with a virtual ultimatum. The Lithuanian Government went through the formality of consulting Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan, the guarantors of the Memel Convention of 1924 which forbade Lithuania to surrender Memel without their consent. The outcome was, however, certain in advance and Lithuania, under compulsion by Germany, did not even wait for the official answer of the four Powers. On March 22, a non-aggression treaty between Germany and Lithuania was signed in which Memel was officially returned to the Reich. In order to make allowance for the economic needs of Lithuania, Germany promised, in the non-aggression pact, a Lithuanian free port zone in Memel. Both countries assumed in the pact 'the obligation neither to proceed against one another by force, nor to support an attack from a third side against one of the two sides.' (See also GERMANY.)

New Government.

The surrender of Memel under the Nazi threat of invasion brought about the resignation of the Lithuanian Cabinet of Premier Vladistovas Mironas and the appointment of a Government dominated by the military, with General Jonas Cernius, chief of the Army General Staff, as Premier. The new Government included some representatives of the opposition and was to be a government of national concentration to resist further pressure from abroad. The economic situation of Lithuania became, after the loss of Memel, considerably worse, and one of the main problems with which the new Government was faced was the absorption by the country of about 12,000 refugees from Memel, of whom 3,000 were Jews who had fled Nazi persecution.

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with Poland.

After the establishment in 1938 of diplomatic relations between Poland and Lithuania, and when the threat of Nazi Germany to both countries had become apparent, the two Slavic nations embarked on a policy of friendly economic, as well as political, cooperation. Railway and postal communications, which had been interrupted since 1920, were resumed between them. A commercial treaty based on the principle of the most-favored-nation clause was signed; and a cultural rapprochement between Poland and Lithuania manifested itself. On the other hand, Germany exerted great pressure on the Lithuanian Government to increase Germany's share in the exports of agricultural products from Lithuania. In spite of many difficulties, it seemed in the summer of 1939 that the economic situation of Lithuania, upset by the loss of Memel, would return to normal.

Effects of the War in Poland.

On Sept. 1, 1939, Germany attacked Poland, and two days later Great Britain and France declared war on the Reich. Lithuania, together with the other Baltic and Northern States of Europe, remained neutral in the great struggle for power that was beginning in Europe. But the success of the Nazi Blitzkrieg in Poland brought into Lithuania thousands of Polish citizens, soldiers and civilians, who had fled from advancing German troops. The small republic was suddenly faced with a relief problem which far exceeded her economic means. When on September 17, Soviet Russia, following a concerted plan with Germany, invaded Poland from the north and east, and was approaching the city of Vilna, the Lithuanian Government proclaimed general mobilization.

Effects of Russo-German Agreements on Baltic States.

It soon became apparent that the German Government had made a deal with Soviet Russia by which the Eastern Baltic was to be recognized as an exclusively Russian domain of influence. Germany paid the price of the Soviet alliance by dividing Poland with Russia and by giving her a free hand in the Baltic. The Baltic States, which until the Russo-German agreement considered the Reich their potential enemy and aggressor and based their hopes of maintaining independence mainly on the opposition of Soviet Russia to German expansion in the Baltic, were now faced with a radically changed situation.

The Russo-German agreement of August 1939 marked the beginning of a new Russian imperialism in Northern Europe. The Soviet Government, taking advantage of the European War, realizing that no opposition would be now forthcoming from the western democracies, and having the express consent of Germany, proceeded to expand its influence in Northern Europe. The three small Baltic States had no alternative but to submit to the demands of the Soviet Government. One after another, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania had to yield to virtual ultimatums and grant military and naval bases for the Red Army. On October 10, a Russo-Lithuanian mutual assistance pact was signed, which included, in return for Lithuanian favors, the cession by Russia of the territory of Vilna to the Lithuanian State.

Vilna.

Source of Friction.

The question of Vilna, the ancient capital of Lithuania, had been the main source of friction between Poland and Lithuania since the Polish General Lucian Zeligowski captured the city in October 1920. Despite Lithuanian protests the Conference of Ambassadors, faced with a fait accompli, ratified Poland's retention of Vilna in 1923. Lithuania never recognized the decision of the Conference of Ambassadors, and refused to have any dealings with Poland so long as Vilna was not returned. Vilna was proclaimed the capital of Lithuania in the Lithuanian Constitution, and for eighteen years a state of affairs, described by some as 'neither war nor peace,' existed between the two countries. In March 1938 Poland, imitating Hitler's methods, took advantage of the European crisis following the annexation of Austria by the Reich, and forced the Lithuanian Government by an ultimatum to establish diplomatic relations with her.

Russo-Lithuanian Pact, Transfer of Vilna.

In the partition of Poland, Russia was granted the eastern and northern part, including Vilna territory. In population, the latter is overwhelmingly Polish and Jewish, Lithuanians forming only a small minority. But Lithuania continued to claim Vilna in the name of historic rights, the city having been for centuries its capital. Finally by the Soviet-Lithuanian mutual assistance treaty of Oct. 10, 1939, the city of Vilna and the Vilna region were transferred to the Lithuanian Republic. The new treaty reaffirms the peace treaty of July 12, 1920, between Lithuania and Russia, in which the latter had recognized Vilna as part of Lithuania. Once more Vilna and the Vilna region which, in the terms of the mutual assistance pact, were 'unlawfully wrested from Lithuania by Poland,' are again under Lithuanian sovereignty.

The pact further provides that the two contracting countries, the Soviet Union and Lithuania, 'undertake to render each other every assistance, including military, in event of aggression or menace of aggression against Lithuania, as well as in event of aggression or menace of aggression against the Soviet Union over Lithuanian territory, on the part of any European Power.' For the purpose of protecting Lithuania, the Soviet Union was granted the right to maintain in Lithuania land and air armed forces. The treaty provides also that its stipulations shall in no way affect the sovereign rights of the contracting parties, in particular their State organization, economic and social systems, and military measures; and that the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs shall be maintained. (See also U.S.S.R.)

Lithuanian Reoccupation of Vilna.

Lithuanian troops marched into Vilna on October 27 and were received with cheers of joy by the population. The next few days were marked by some anti-Semitic riots provoked by nationalistic Polish students. Those disturbances were quickly suppressed and the Lithuanian authorities have shown themselves capable of maintaining law and order in the newly acquired territory. The Government granted equality of rights to the Poles and Jews in the Vilna region.

Refugee Problem; Economic Distress.

In the newly occupied territory the Lithuanian authorities found most distressing conditions. Several thousand Poles and Jews who had fled before the Nazi invasion from Western and Southern Poland into Vilna, remained there without any means of subsistence. Immigration into the Vilna region became even heavier after the partition of Poland. Thousands of additional Jews, crossed the frontier into the Russian-occupied territory. While no accurate figures are available, it is certain that at least 50,000 refugees from Poland were living under most difficult economic conditions in the Vilna region, at the time of the Lithuanian occupation. The needs of the refugees were far beyond the economic means of the Lithuanian Government, a situation which brought about a serious financial crisis. As a result of the resignation of the Finance Minister, General Jonas Sutkus, on Nov. 10, the whole Cernius Cabinet submitted its resignation to the President. A new Cabinet was formed on November 21 by Antanas Merkys, former Mayor of Kaunas and Administrator of the Vilna territory. The new government, a coalition, was less dominated by the military, and more representative of the middle class. (See also RELIGION: Jews.)

At the end of 1939 the economic situation in Lithuania, especially in the newly recovered Vilna region was still deplorable. The refugee problem was far from solution, and the refugees had to be helped by charitable organizations abroad, especially by those in the United States. The Lithuanian Government showed great generosity and sympathy for the victims of war, but was in no position to give effective aid to the thousands of refugees. Politically Lithuania seemed to be secure as a satellite of Russia, and her domestic problems were left entirely within her own jurisdiction. The Russian troops stationed on Lithuanian territory kept themselves isolated from the population and refrained from spreading Communistic propaganda. The Lithuanian Government, wise enough not to take revenge on the Polish population of Vilna, has introduced a liberal policy which eventually may develop Polish loyalty to the Lithuanian State. The future of Lithuania, depends, of course, on the outcome of the war.

Panevezys-Saldutiskis Railway Case.

See PERMANENT COURT OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE.

1938: Lithuania

The independence of Lithuania was threatened during 1938, and the prospects for the future independence of that country do not seem very bright. The German threat brought about greater willingness to cooperate with Poland with which no diplomatic relations have existed since Oct. 9, 1920, when a Polish general, Zeligowski, occupied the city of Vilna claimed by the Lithuanians as their capital. Lithuania declined to recognize the decision of the Conference of Ambassadors of March 15, 1923, which gave Vilna to Poland, and subsequently proclaimed Vilna as the capital in its Constitution. It also refused to have any diplomatic or economic relations with Poland as long as Vilna, illegally seized, was not returned to Lithuania. 'Neither war nor peace' was the condition prevailing in the relations between Poland and Lithuania, and the latter consistently refused to establish even railroad connections with the former, fearing it might mean recognition of the frontier.

When, in March 1938, Hitler annexed Austria, Poland took advantage of that European crisis to settle the question of her 'dead frontier' with Lithuania which had lasted for eighteen years. On March 17, 1938 the Polish Government addressed an ultimatum to Lithuania demanding restoration of diplomatic relations within forty-eight hours, and the opening of the frontier to railway and postal traffic. The Lithuanian Government not being able to count on the aid of the Western European democracies, and having only mild support from the Soviet Government was compelled to yield to superior force, and accepted unconditionally the Polish ultimatum. In April for the first time since both nations regained their independence after the World War, a Lithuanian envoy was sent to Warsaw and a Polish representative went to Kaunas. On July 1, in accordance with the terms of the ultimatum, railway traffic was resumed between the two countries and negotiations have been started to facilitate trade, including the floating of Polish timber down the Niemen River.

The Polish ultimatum and the forcible procedure which compelled the weaker Lithuania to renounce its Vilna claim produced great resentment in that country, and the government of Juozas Tubelis, which capitulated to Poland, was compelled to resign. The Rev. Vladas Mironas, chief captain of the army became head of a government little different from that of Tubelis.

The government of Mironas followed a policy of understanding and collaboration with Poland. A fair treatment of the Polish minority in Lithuania was promised, and Poland and Lithuania announced jointly on Nov. 12, that they would present radio and press news about each other in a 'good neighbor' spirit. This change of the Lithuanian attitude toward Poland was largely prompted by the general international situation and the increase of Nazi power in Central and Eastern Europe following the Munich settlement. The Germans in Memel, now dominated by the Nazis and their leader, the veterinarian Dr. Ernest Neumann, who in 1935 was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment for high treason and later pardoned, have increased their agitation for the return of Memel to Germany. The Memel agreement or statute signed in 1924 by the principal allied powers and Lithuania created in Memel a semi-autonomous regime, under the Lithuanian sovereignty, with its own Parliament or Landtag and Executive, called the Memel Directorate. The population of Memel being predominantly composed of Germans, they won in the 1935 elections 24 out of the 29 seats of the Memel Landtag. The elections of Dec. 10, 1938, were conducted by the Nazis, under the slogans 'home to Reich' and 'one people, one State, one Fuehrer.' The victory of the Nazis at Memel was certain. At the end of 1938 the authority of Lithuania in the Memel territory was more nominal than real, and the British and French Governments were calling upon Germany to respect the Memel autonomy statute. Lithuania seemed to be faced by two alternatives; either to retain the nominal sovereignty over Memel and enter into the German political and economic orbit, or to definitely lose the Memel districts. Economically the Memel port depends on the Lithuanian hinterland and separation may mean disaster for Memelland.

Following the increase of Nazi power the pro-German party of the now-exiled former Premier Voldemaras has developed considerable activity and the Kaunas government has been forced to reimpose emergency rule to halt this movement propagated from Memel. Antanas Smetona, the 64-year old President was reelected on Nov. 14, for his fourth seven-year term. With a short interruption Smetona has held the Presidency since the resurrection of Lithuania in 1919.

Smetona probably more than any other individual is responsible for the rebirth of Lithuanian nationalism. He led the movement in Russia for Lithuanian independence for twenty years prior to the World War. In 1919 when he was elected President, he refused to accept dictatorial powers. In 1926 and again in 1931 he was reelected.