DOCSLIB.ORG

Memel Territory — 3 —

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Memel Territory — 3 — MBRABY A B C f U V J » [Distributed to the Council C. 159. M. 39. 1924. VII. and the Members of the League.] G e n e v a , March 22nd, 1924. LEAGUE OF NATIONS THE STATUS OF THE MEMEL TERRITORY — 3 — CONTENTS Page 1. Letter from the Conference of Ambassadors to the Secretary-General, September 28th, 1923.......................................................................................................................... 5 2. Letter from the Conference of Ambassadors to the Secretary-General, October 18th, 1 9 2 3 .............................................................................................................................25 3. Letter from the President of the Lithuanian Cabinet to the Secretary-General, November 22nd, 1923 37 4. Letter from the President of the Lithuanian Cabinet to the Secretary-General, November 24th, 1923 38 5. Extracts from the Minutes of the twenty-seventh Session of the Council, Paris : Minutes of the eighth meeting, December 15th, 1923 45 Short Analysis regarding the question of Memel, prepared by the S e c re ta ria t...................................................................................................................46 Minutes of the ninth meeting, December 17th, 1 9 2 3 .........................................49 Minutes ofthe tenth meeting, December 17th, 1 9 2 3 .........................................50 Report by M. Guani, adopted by the Council, December 17th, 1923 . 53 6. Letter from M. Skirmunt to the President of the Council, and Annexes, communi­ cated to Members of the Council, December nt h , 1 9 2 3 ...........................................53 7. Letter from M. Galvanauskas to the Secretary-General, communicated to Members of the Council, December n th , 1 9 2 3 ............................................................................ 64 8. Note by the Secretary-General, informing Members of the Council of the composi­ tion of the Memel Commission, February 9th, 1 9 2 4 ............................................... 67 9 • Letter from the Conference of Ambassadors to the Secretary-General, dated February 4th, 1924, and Memorandum containing observations of the Conference of Ambassadors on the letter of M. Galvanauskas of December n th , 1 9 2 3 .......................................................................................................67 10. Letter from M. Galvanauskas to the Secretary-General : Comments on the letter from the Conference of Ambassadors ofFebruary 4th, 1 9 2 4 ................................73 11 • Letter from M. Skirmunt to the President of the Council, communicated to the Council, March 10th, 1 9 2 4 ..............................................................................................74 12. Extract from the Minutes of the fourth meeting of the twenty-eighth Session of the Council, Geneva, March 12th, 1924....................................................................... 77 13- Report of the Commission (Annex to the Minutes of the twenty-eighth Session of the C o u n c il) ........................................................................................................................ 82 14 ■ Extract from the Minutes of the eighth meeting of the tw’enty-eighth Session of the Council, Geneva, March 14th, 1 9 2 4 ................................................................... 92 15 • Draft Convention and Annexes (Annex to the Minutes of the twenty-eighth Session of the Council)........................................................................................................................97 16. Transitory Disposition (former Article 18 of the Draft Convention) (Annex to Minutes of the twenty-eighth Session ofthe Council)......................................... 118 S' d. N. 65o (F.) 700 (A.) 3/24. Imp. J. de G., Ambiily et Kundig. LEAGUE OF NATIONS THE STATUS OF THE MEMEL TERRITORY A . C. 664. M. 295. 1923. VII. LETTER FROM THE CONFERENCE OF AMBASSADORS TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL [Translation.] S ir, Paris, September 28th, 1923. I have the honour to forward to you : 1. The text of a Decision adopted by the Conference of Ambassadors on September 25th, 1923, with regard to the situation created at Memel by the attitude of the Lithuanian Government ; 2. An annexed file including the following documents : (a ) The Decision adopted by the Conference of Ambassadors on February 16th, 1923 ; (b ) A telegram from the Conference of Ambassadors to the French Representative at Kovno, dated March 7th, 1923 ; (c ) A telegram from the French Representative at Kovno, dated March 8th, 1923 ; (d ) A telegram from the Conference of Ambassadors to the French Representative at Kovno, dated March 9th, 1923 ; (e ) A telegram from the French Representative at Kovno, dated March nth, 1923. (/ ) A telegram from the Conference of Ambassadors to the French Representative at Kovno, dated March nth ; (g ) A telegram from the French Representative at Kovno, dated March 13th ; (h ) A resolution adopted by the Conference of Ambassadors — C. A. 209. Ill — dated March 14th, 1923. (i ) A letter from the President of the Conference of Ambassadors to the President of the Lithuanian Delegation at Paris, dated March 14th, 1923 ; (/ ) A report, dated March 6th, 1923, addressed to the Conference of Ambassadors by the Extraordinary Commission at Memel ; (k ) A report, dated July 25th, from the Commission instructed by the Conference of Ambassadors to prepare the draft of a Convention with Lithuania to settle the conditions for the transfer of the sovereignty of the Memel Territory ; (I ) A covering letter to the Draft Convention and Protocol, addressed to the Prime Minister of the Lithuanian Republic on August 8th, 1923, by the Conference of Ambassadors ; (m) The text of the Draft Convention ; (n ) The text of the Draft Protocol ; (0 ) The resolution adopted by the Conference of Ambassadors — C. A. 223. XII — dated July 27th, 1923. {p ) A telegram from the French Representative at Kovno, dated September 21st, 1923. I should be greatly obliged if you would be good enough to communicate these docu­ ments to the Council of the League of Nations. I shall forward the complete text of the reply from the Lithuanian Government to the letter from the Conference of Ambassadors dated August 8th, 1923, as soon as that reply has reached me. (Signed) POINCARÉ — 6 — 1. THE SITUATION CREATED AT MEMEL BY THE ATTITUDE OF THE LITHUANIAN GOVERNMENT. D e c is io n a d o p t e d b y t h e Co n f e r e n c e o f A m b a s s a d o r s . [Translation.\ September 25th, 1923. The British Empire, France, Italy and J a p a n , signatories, with the United States of A m e r ic a , as the Principal Allied and Associated Powers, to the Treaty of Peace of Versailles, Considering that, under Article 99 of that Treaty, Germany has renounced in favour of the Principal Allied and Associated Powers all rights and titles to the territories lying between the Baltic Sea and the North-Eastern boundary of East Prussia, as described in Article 28 of Part II (boundaries of Germany) of the Treaty, and the former boundary line between Germany and Russia ; Considering that the Lithuanian Government, on March 13th, 1923, formally declared its acceptance of the Decision adopted by the Conference of Ambassadors on February i6th, 1923, which lays down the conditions upon which the Principal Allied Powers intend to transfer to Lithuania the rights and titles ceded to them by Germany, in virtue of Article 99, over the territory in question, commonly described as the Memel Territory ; Considering that the Lithuanian Government refuses to accept the Draft Convention which has been prepared in pursuance of the Decision dated February 16th, 1923 ; Considering that, as long as this Convention has not come into force, all rights and titles to the Memel Territory continue to belong to the Allied Powers ; Considering that the Lithuanian Government, in spite of the protests raised by the Allied Governments, has not ceased to intervene in the administration of the Memel Territory, contrary to the rights and titles of the Allied Powers and under conditions prejudicial to the autonomy of the Territory ; Considering that the Allied Governments have thus on the one hand been provented from exercising their rights and, on the other hand, from duly effecting the transfer provided for by the Decision dated February 16th, 1923, for the benefit of the Lithuanian Government ; Considering that the present administration of the Territory has never been accepted or approved by the vote of the inhabitants, that it has only been provisionally recognised by the Allied Governments, subject to the carrying into effect of the provisions laid down by the Decision dated February 16th, 1923 ; Considering that the Lithuanian Government continues to prevent the port of Memel from becoming the natural outlet for the neighbouring Polish districts ; Considering that, in consequence, there has arisen a situation affecting international relations, which threatens to disturb international peace or the good understanding between nations upon which peace depends ; Considering the provisions laid down by Article 11 of the Covenent of the League of Nations : Draws the attention of the Council of the League of Nations to the situation created by the attitude of the Lithuanian Government. 2. (a) DECISION OF THE CONFERENCE OF AMBASSADORS WITH REGARD TO MEMEL. Paris, February 16th, 1923. The British Empire, France, Italy and J a p a n , signatories, with the United States of A m e r ic a , as the Principal Allied and Associated Powers,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE in LITHUANIA a Story of Peaceful Liberation
    NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE IN LITHUANIA A Story of Peaceful Liberation Grazina Miniotaite The Albert Einstein Institution www.aeinstein.org 2 CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Nonviolent Resistance Against Russification in the Nineteenth Century The Goals of Tsarism in Lithuania The Failure of Colonization The Struggle for the Freedom of Religion The Struggle for Lithuanian Press and Education Chapter 2: Resistance to Soviet Rule, 1940–1987 An Overview Postwar Resistance The Struggle for the Freedom of Faith The Struggle for Human and National Rights The Role of Lithuanian Exiles Chapter 3: The Rebirth From Perestroika to the Independence Movement Test of Fortitude The Triumph of Sajudis Chapter 4: Towards Independence The Struggle for Constitutional Change Civil Disobedience Step by Step The Rise of Reactionary Opposition Chapter 5: The Struggle for International Recognition The Declaration of Independence Independence Buttressed: the Battle of Laws First Signs of International Recognition The Economic Blockade The January Events Nonviolent Action in the January Events International Reaction 3 Chapter 6: Towards Civilian-Based Defense Resistance to the “Creeping Occupation” Elements of Civilian-Based Defense From Nonviolent Resistance to Organized Civilian-Based Defense The Development of Security and Defense Policy in Lithuania since 1992 Concluding Remarks Appendix I Appeal to Lithuanian Youth by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania Appendix II Republic in Danger! Appendix III Appeal by the Government of the Republic
    [Show full text]
  • Antanas Smetona Topic Guide for Chronicling America (
    Antanas Smetona Topic Guide for Chronicling America (http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov) Introduction Antanas Smetona (1874-1944) was born in Užulėnis, Kovno Governorate, Russian Empire. In 1886, he became the only child in his family to go to school, and in 1893, he began attending Jelgava Gymnasium in Latvia. A teacher there promoted Lithuanian language and culture, but the school made everyone use Russian, and Smetona was expelled for non-compliance. After graduating from a different school, Smetona moved to Vilnius where he became active in Lithuanian cultural life, joined the Lithuanian Democratic Party, and worked on various Lithuanian newspapers and periodicals. During World War I, Smetona assisted Lithuanian victims and was elected Chairman of the Council of Lithuania. He was elected the first president of Lithuania in 1919, but was replaced the next year. In 1926, he became president again after helping overthrow the previous president. Following the Soviet Union occupation of Lithuania during World War II, Smetona turned over power to his prime minister and fled the country. He and his family eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where Smetona worked on a history of Lithuania and his memoirs until his 1944 death. Important Dates . August 10 (July 28, Russian calendar), 1874: Antanas Smetona is born in Užulėnis in the Russian Empire. (Russia had annexed Lithuania in 1795.) . 1902: Smetona moves to Vilnius, the largest city and capital of Lithuania. 1918: Smetona signs the Act of Independence of Lithuania. April 4, 1919: State Council of Lithuania elects Smetona the first president of the Republic of Lithuania. 1927: Smetona dissolves parliament.
    [Show full text]
  • SEIMAS (Parliament of Lithuania)
    SEIMAS (Parliament of Lithuania) Gediminas Kazėnas [email protected] Grand Duchy of Lithuania 1447 privilege of GDL Kazimieras − Noblemens and their peasants were exempt from state tax. Grand Duchy of Lithuania 1492 m. privilege of Alexander − GDL undertake not to pas new law without SEIMAS agreement. Grand Duchy of Lithuania 1529 1st Lithuanian Statut: − the highest state authority which is allowed to pass the laws is Council of Lords. Grand Duchy of Lithuania 1566 2nd Lithuanian Statut: − Has become the highest legislative organ of state. − Not every lord could come to Seimas. Grand Duchy of Lithuania 1566 2nd Lithuanian Statut: − Has become the highest legislative organ of state. − Not every lord could come to Seimas. Grand Duchy of Lithuania 1569 Lublin Union − Common Seimas of Both Nations Grand Duchy of Lithuania 1588 3rd Lithuanian Statut: − Only Seimas can pass law; − Council of Lords is annulated. 1st written Constitution in Europe Seimas of 1788 – 1792 − Constitution of 1791, 3rd of May. Great Vilnius Seimas 1905 November 21 – 22 (December 4 – 5) Council of Lithuania 1918 1st Republic of Lithuanian 1918, 16th of February; 1920 – 1922 Constituent Assembly Seimas; 1922 adoption of Constitution; 1922 – 1923 1st Seimas 1923 – 1926 2nd Seimas 1926 – 1927 3rd Seimas 1926, 17th December - constitutional revolution 1928 adoption of new Constitution 1936 – 1940 4th Seimas 2nd Republic of Lithuania 1990 – 1992 Supreme Council – Reconstituent Seimas; 1991, 11th of March – Act On the Re- establishment of the State of Lithuania − Provisional Basic Law 1992, 25th of October – adoption of Constitution of Lithuania. Seimas Seimas is sovereign, but bound by: − Constitution; − Referendum; − Constitutional Court; − President and veto; Election to Seimas 141 member of Seimas; − 70 proportional representation by party lists; − Single-member districts.
    [Show full text]
  • In 1917–1918 Did Lithuania Separate from Russia Or Poland?
    LITHUANIAN HISTORICAL STUDIES 13 2008 ISSN 1392-2343 PP. 101–117 IN 1917–1918 DID LITHUANIA SEPARATE FROM ­RUSSIA OR POLAND? Rimantas Miknys Abstract. The author attempts to reconstruct the rhetoric of national ‘sep- aration’ of Lithuania in 1917–1918, and to inquire into its purports. To this end the article presents and discusses the facts underlying the circumstances of the separation formula, analyses the causes, and generally surveys the genesis of the ‘separation’ idea. The issue of the historical ‘separation’ of Lithuania in 1917–1918 has not been analyzed specifically in the relevant scholarship 1 although, in describing facts memoirs and studies discussing the creation of the modern independent state of Lithuania do mention the moment of separation as a context of such creation. My considerations are intended to reconstruct the implications behind the separation which was recorded in the main document declaring independence of Lithuania. To that end I will discuss cir- cumstances and reasons for the thesis marking the separation and in general survey the genesis of the ‘separation’ idea. It should be noted that the resolution adopted by the Council of Lithuania on 16 February 1918 declared: The Council of Lithuania in its meeting dated 16 February 1918 unanimously de- cided to address governments of Russia, Germany and other states with the following statement: The Council of Lithuania as the sole representative of the Lithuanian nation on the grounds of the recognized right of nations to self-determination and the resolution of the Lithuanians adopted at Vilnius Conference dated 18–23 September 1917 hereby declares that it restores the independent state of Lithuania functioning on democratic principles with its capital Vilnius and accordingly separates the state in question from all national ties with other nations.
    [Show full text]
  • TITLE of the COURSE: History of Lithuanian Diplomacy, 1918–1940
    TITLE OF THE COURSE: History of Lithuanian Diplomacy, 1918–1940 Course code: Course group: A/B/C Faculty: Education Academy Study program: History and Civic Education Level: Bachelor /Master / PhD Semester: Autumn / Spring ECTS credits: 3 Language of instruction English Course lecturer/s: prof. dr. Sandra Grigaravičiūtė The course consists of three parts. The first part will provide students with the opportunity to get acquainted with the historiography of the 20th century. Its review is given by the principle of historical consistency: the period of the First Republic of Lithuania (1918–1940), the Soviet times (1940–1941, 1945–1987) and Lithuania after the restoration of independence (from 1990 until today). The second part deals with the key moments of the Lithuanian diplomacy between 1918 and 1940. It starts with 1911, when the first attempts of raising the issue of Lithuania’s statehood emerged in the west, and ends with Short course description: the occupation of Lithuania in 1940. Each chapter of the second part gives the key points of the issue, its development and stresses the focal points in a very concise manner. The third part will provide a chance to get the information about the development of the diplomatic and consular corpus of Lithuania between 1918 and 1940. It discusses the development of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, major legislation regulating its activities; a well- grounded periodization of the development of the Lithuanian diplomatic and consular corpus from 1918 to 1940 is provided as well. PART I. HISTORIOGRAPHICAL OVERVIEW 1. In the First Republic of Lithuania (1918–1940) Course content: 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Jurgis PAKERYS MORPHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION of ADJECTIVAL BORROWINGS in MODERN LITHUANIAN1 1. Introduction Adjectives Are, in Genera
    BALTISTICA LI(2) 2016 239–269 doi: 10.15388/Baltistica.51.2.2273 Jurgis PAKERYS Vilnius University MORPHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION OF ADJECTIVAL BORROWINGS IN MODERN LITHUANIAN1 Abstract. In this article, the following types of morphological adaptation of borrowed adjectives in Lithuanian are identified: (1) zero adaptation, (2) assignment to inflection class (IC), (3) addition of derivational suffix, (4) substitution of derivational suffix, (5) truncation of derivational suffix. Zero adaptation is very rare in internationalisms, but appears quite frequently in slang borrowings. Assignment to ICs is noted in internationalisms and slang borrowings with nearly complementary distribution of ICs in -us and -as. Addition of derivational suffixes is rare, but available in non- standard use and also possible, but difficult to prove, in internationalisms. Substitution of derivational suffixes is the main strategy for adaptation of internationalisms, the central role being played by the relational suffix -in-is. Truncation of derivational suffixes is very rare and is noted only in internationalisms where affixes of Latin origin can be occasionally deleted. Keywords: Lithuanian; morphology; borrowed adjectives; morphological adaptation. 1. Introduction Adjectives are, in general, not frequently borrowed: according to the World Loanword Database, adjectival and adverbial loans, when counted to- gether, make up 15.2% of lexemes, compared to nominal loans (31.2%) and 1 This article is one of the outcomes of the research project Morphological adaptation of adjectival borrowings in the Baltic languages, funded by a grant (No. LIT-9-7) from the Research Council of Lithuania. Part of this investigation was presented during the 12th International Congress of Balticists (Vilnius University, Vilnius, October 28-31, 2015) and I would like to sincerely thank the audience for their questions, comments, and discussion.
    [Show full text]
  • 100 Years of Lithuanian Statehood
    100 YEARS OF LITHUANIAN STATEHOOD KEY HISTORIC SITES IN VILNIUS On 16 February 1918, the Act of Independence of Lithuania was signed, effectively creating the modern Lithuanian state, with Vilnius as its capital. It is one of the most important dates in the nation’s history - the birth of a new democratically-run country. The Act laid the foundation for the creation of a state based on the principles of equality, freedom and prosperity, where different nationalities and social groups could co-exist. Its signatories were twenty Lithuanians elected to the Council of Lithuania and entrusted with the task of creating an independent Lithuanian state. The signatories’ backgrounds and sub- sequent fates were very diverse. As part of the Centennial celebration, this guide aims to shed light on the most important sites of the events leading up to the signing of the Act of Independence of Lithuania, as well as the places central to Lithuanian cultural life in the early 20th century. Museums Houses of Theatre / Plaque Worship Concert Hall 1. THE GREAT SEIMAS OF VILNIUS The Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society +370 526 65233, +370 526 65216 Ticket Office: Tue-Sat 10:00 - 13:30, Aušros Vartų g. 5, www.filharmonija.lt 14:00 - 19:00, Sun 10:00 - 12:00 The building of the current Philharmonic dates back to the beginning of 20th century, when the city’s Duma as- sembly and Theatre Construction Committee decided to house a theatre and concert hall in the reconstructed building of the Russian Merchants’ House that stood there. The remodeled building hosted many historically significant events.
    [Show full text]
  • Programme of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania for 2008-2012
    SEIMAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA RESOLUTION No XI-52 Of 9 December 2008 ON THE PROGRAMME OF THE GOVENMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA Vilnius The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, having considered the Programme of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and having regard to paragraph 7 of Article 67 and sub-paragraph 5 of Article 92 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, r e s o l v e s : Article 1 To approve the Programme of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania submitted by Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius (annexed). Article 2 The Resolution shall enter into force from the date of its adoption. CHAIRMAN OF THE SEIMAS ARŪNAS VALINSKAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA Annex to Resolution No XI-52 of 9 December 2008 by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania ACTION PROGRAMME OF THE FIFTEENTH GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA PART I ANALYSIS OF THE INHERITED SITUATION AND CHALLENGES The fifteenth Government of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter referred to as Government) starts its work on the eve of big challenges and grave issues. Accumulating challenges that both Lithuania and the world have currently faced call for determinate, efficient and responsible action on the part of the Government if it seeks introduction of major changes in many areas of our life. One has to admit, however, that under the present conditions of our membership of the European Union, the well-being of Lithuanian people has lately come to a halt or taken a turn for the worse in some aspects.
    [Show full text]
  • Visit to the House of Signatories
    Visit to the House of Signatories By Michael S. On the 14th of February, the class of ninth grade took a trip to the House of Signatories in Vilnius old town. The Museum goes into great depth into the history of Lithuania’s first independence in 1918. For the non-Lithuanian native speakers they had a tour guide in English. The first stop in the museum was the room where the 20 brave signatories who signed the act of Independence for Lithuania. While the room was very humble, there was a giant book showing a copy of the Act of Independence and the bill of Lithuania’s second independence. Later in the tour we saw the room with portraits of all 20 signatories, and got a lesson on some of the more influential founders. For instance Antanas Smetona, was the first president of Lithuania, from 4 April 1919 to 19 June 1920. Speaking as first year foreigner to Lithuania learning more in depth about Lithuania's past and culture has helped us understand Lithuania on a much deeper level. By Matas On the 14th of February, the 9th gr. Lithuanian mothertongue and non-native classes visited the House of Signatories. The Act of Independence of Lithuania was signed there on the 16th of February, 1918. It was signed by twenty members of the Council of Lithuania, including Dr Jonas Basanavičius and Antanas Smetona. It was controversially declared as unconditional independence, i.e. the council members refused to sign association agreements with Germany. The 9th grade had the opportunity to learn more about Lithuanian history and culture, as well as look at items like Dr Basanavičius‘ stuffed owl and interwar maps.
    [Show full text]
  • Dangiras Mačiulis and Darius Staliūnas
    STUDIEN zur Ostmitteleuropaforschung 32 Dangiras Mačiulis and Darius Staliūnas Lithuanian Nationalism and the Vilnius Question, 1883-1940 Dangiras Mačiulis and Darius Staliūnas, Lithuanian Nationalism and the Vilnius Question, 1883-1940 STUDIEN ZUR OSTMITTELEUROPAFORSCHUNG Herausgegeben vom Herder-Institut für historische Ostmitteleuropaforschung – Institut der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft 32 Dangiras Mačiulis and Darius Staliūnas Lithuanian Nationalism and the Vilnius Question, 1883-1940 VERLAG HERDER-INSTITUT · MARBURG · 2015 Bibliografi sche Information der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliografi e; detaillierte bibliografi sche Daten sind im Internet über <http://dnb.ddb.de> abrufbar Diese Publikation wurde einem anonymisierten Peer-Review-Verfahren unterzogen. This publication has undergone the process of anonymous, international peer review. © 2015 by Herder-Institut für historische Ostmitteleuropaforschung – Institut der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, 35037 Marburg, Gisonenweg 5-7 Printed in Germany Alle Rechte vorbehalten Satz: Herder-Institut für historische Ostmitteleuropaforschung – Institut der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, 35037 Marburg Druck: KN Digital Printforce GmbH, Ferdinand-Jühlke-Straße 7, 99095 Erfurt Umschlagbilder: links: Cover of the journal „Trimitas“ (Trumpet) of the Riflemen’s Union of Lithuania. Trimitas, 1930, no. 41 rechts: The fi rst watch of Lithuanian soldiers at the tower of Gediminas Castle. 10 28 1939. LNM ISBN 978-3-87969-401-3 Contents Introduction
    [Show full text]
  • In 1917–1918 Did Lithuania Separate from Russia Or Poland?
    LITHUANIAN HISTORICAL STUDIES 13 2008 ISSN 1392-2343 PP. 101–117 IN 1917–1918 DID LITHUANIA SEPARATE FROM ­RUSSIA OR POLAND? Rimantas Miknys Abstract. The author attempts to reconstruct the rhetoric of national ‘sep- aration’ of Lithuania in 1917–1918, and to inquire into its purports. To this end the article presents and discusses the facts underlying the circumstances of the separation formula, analyses the causes, and generally surveys the genesis of the ‘separation’ idea. The issue of the historical ‘separation’ of Lithuania in 1917–1918 has not been analyzed specifically in the relevant scholarship 1 although, in describing facts memoirs and studies discussing the creation of the modern independent state of Lithuania do mention the moment of separation as a context of such creation. My considerations are intended to reconstruct the implications behind the separation which was recorded in the main document declaring independence of Lithuania. To that end I will discuss cir- cumstances and reasons for the thesis marking the separation and in general survey the genesis of the ‘separation’ idea. It should be noted that the resolution adopted by the Council of Lithuania on 16 February 1918 declared: The Council of Lithuania in its meeting dated 16 February 1918 unanimously de- cided to address governments of Russia, Germany and other states with the following statement: The Council of Lithuania as the sole representative of the Lithuanian nation on the grounds of the recognized right of nations to self-determination and the resolution of the Lithuanians adopted at Vilnius Conference dated 18–23 September 1917 hereby declares that it restores the independent state of Lithuania functioning on democratic principles with its capital Vilnius and accordingly separates the state in question from all national ties with other nations.
    [Show full text]
  • Social Democracy & State Foundation: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
    Social Democracy & State Foundation Estonia Latvia Lithuania SOCIAL DEMOCRACY AND STATE FOUNDATION ESTONIA, LATVIA, LITHUANIA Table of content Foreword: Social Democracy and the Founding of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Tobias Mörschel . 2 Authors . .. 4 The Inception of Social Democracy and Statehood in Estonia Tõnu Ints / Kristjan Saharov . .5 1 | Social Democracy prior to Independence . 7 2 | The Road to Independence . 15 3 | Building the New State . 27 4 | The Subsequent Role of the Social Democrats . 39 5 | A Look Back at the Achievements of the Social Democrats . 48 Literature . 51 Latvian Statehood and Social Democracy Ivars Ījabs . 53 1 | The New Agenda: Socialism and Latvian National Movement . .. 57 2 | Social Democracy and Statehood . 73 3 | Social Democracy and 18 November . 85 4 | The LSDSP and the Independent State . .. 93 5 | The Demise and Legacy of the LSDSP . 107 6 | Conclusion . 113 Literature . 118 Social Democracy in the Formation of the Modern Lithuanian State Gintaras Mitrulevičius . 119 1 | Historical Context of Lithuanian Social Democracy and Ideological-Programmatic Assumptions and Political Aspirations . .. 121 2 | Role of the Social Democrats in the (Re)Construction of the Lithuanian State (1914–1919) . 139 3 | Social Democracy in the Consolidation of Lithuanian Statehood (1920–1922) . 153 Literature . 163 Summaries of the country studies . 165 1 SOCIAL DEMOCRACY AND STATE FOUNDATION Foreword Social Democracy and the Founding of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Nineteen eighteen was a pivotal year in the history of the Baltic states . Estonia and Latvia achieved statehood and independence for the first time and Lithuania regained them after a long interruption . The proclamation and founding of the three republics occurred at the end of the First World War when the map of Europe was being reshaped and democratisation was surging across the board .
    [Show full text]