From Limited Military Commitment to Concerned Observer: Great Britain’s Relations with the Baltic States During the First Period of Independence, 1918–40

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of Britain's relations with the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania during their first period of independence between 1918–40. It argues that, while Britain did not wish to see either Germany or the USSR occupy the Baltic states and thereby upset the balance of power in Eastern Europe, a range of factors, including Britain’s geopolitical priorities and limited military capabilities, led the British to steadily reduce their support during the interwar period. The policy of minimal intervention was reinforced by the growing perception that the Baltic states possessed neither the resources nor political cohesion to put up an effective defense against foreign aggressors. The notion that Britain could do little to preserve the independence of the Baltic states, in turn, was a key factor which led to a policy of indecisive action in response to the Soviet occupation and annexation between June and August 1940.