Bendrininkių kėslai : Vokietijos ir SSRS požiūris į Klaipėdos problemą 1923-1939 metais

Abstract

The data found in the documents of Russian, German and Lithuanian archives show that in January 1923 Germany and the USSR did not interfere with Lithuania to annex Klaipėda. In the beginning they slightly helped Lithuania do that, but later the policy of the two great neighbouring countries prevented Lithuania from integrating and maintaining the territory. Germany as well as the USSR did not recognize the territory of Klaipėda to Lithuania de jure and made efforts to convince England, France and other members of the Conference of Ambassadors of the same. All these countries re- formed the doctrine of nonrecognition and observed it until the occupation of Klaipėda in 1939. The Soviets were not satisfied with the stand- point of the Lithuanian government at that time, headed by E.Galvanauskas, on the Klaipėda problem, entered into close relations with the leaders of the National Party (A.Smetona, A. Voldemaras and others) and provoked them to think of a coup in 1923. The Soviets tried to suppress the argument between Germany and Lithuania on Klaipėda for they were afraid the argument could encourage Lithuania to make it up with Poland and turn more to Western countries. They urged Lithuania not Germany to make greater concessions as Lithuania was a weaker party in the argument. This shows inequality in international relations. Continual Soviet pressure weakened Lithuanian resistance to revoke sentiments in the territory of Klaipėda. Nobody should be surprised at the Soviet advice to give up Klaipėda to Germany without any opposition as it comes of its policy on the Klaipėda problem. The two great powers were working unanimously as allies in the Baltic countries during the period of two wars. They were ready not to compete between themselves and take into consideration each other's interests.