760m.6111/37: Telegram
The Minister in Lithuania (Norem) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:47 p.m.]
50. The agreement between Lithuania and the Soviet Union signed last night was announced here at 8 a.m. The papers ran full accounts of the agreement and demonstrations were held during the day. At noon following speeches, the liberty bell was rung. The return of Vilna met with great excitement and some demonstrating is expected tonight. Carneckis, of Foreign Office, pointed out that the stay of Soviet troops must be limited to the duration of the present war in Europe. The withdrawal of German citizens and people of German extraction from the Baltic States is viewed by the Lithuanian Foreign Office with disfavor. It probably will place every hindrance in the [Page 966] way of such transferring. The Minister expressed the hope that the Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs was sincere in expressing friendly understanding of Lithuanian problems and particularly with respect to the treatment of local Communists. The statement made allegedly by the Soviets was to the effect that the Lithuanians could shoot them if found necessary. Bisauskas has declared his opinion is that Russia is nationalistic today rather than red. German propaganda stresses Communistic menace to hasten peace movement is a theory held here. Interesting to recall Vilna referred to in constitution as capital of Lithuania. Moving of the Foreign Office will necessitate following. Temporary arrangements for Government in the district Vilna are being considered. The following is a short survey of the agreement referred to above:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .