760m.6111/47
The Minister in Lithuania (Norem) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that today, October 13, at 1 p.m. I had a most interesting interview with Mr. Bizauskas, Vice Prime Minister, in which he recounted the experiences of the Lithuanian delegation in the Soviet capital and told of the discussions leading up to and following the actual signing of the Pact. Mr. Bizauskas spoke very freely and seemed quite happy over the whole affair. I gathered the impression that the Lithuanian Government regards the present conditions of Russo-Lithuanian relations in a satisfactory light.
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Mr. Bizauskas went on to say that the Lithuanian delegation was greeted in a friendly manner. The negotiations began with Stalin and Molotov apparently unwilling to treat too kindly and insistent that their demands be immediately met. The Lithuanian delegation surprised them with an agreement that defensive action was a wise policy and proposed to cooperate with them in this regard. This move resulted in the inclusion of article three and a changing of some wording in the fourth and fifth articles. Apparently the return of the Vilna Territory to Lithuania had been agreed upon by the Russians [Page 968] in order better to justify their entrance into Poland. Lithuania in accepting the return of the disputed area from Russia also made good her avowed intent to accept the region should it be offered by Russia. This is the second time she has accepted the region from Russia.53
Mr. Bizauskas added a comment that was very interesting and he added that he did so in strictest confidence. They discovered shortly after the conference began in Moscow that originally they had been included in the German “sphere of influence.” However, Germany had seen fit to trade Lithuania and the region of Latvia as far north as Riga in this matter of influence spheres in exchange for the territory of Poland between the Bug and the Vistula rivers or roughly the area represented as a difference in the two demarcation lines. On being apprised of this, the Lithuanian delegation set their course and fully cooperated with the Russian Government. In return for their full cooperation, they are assured the full right of sovereignty. Mr. Bizauskas added, with a shrug: “Of course, one cannot be too sure of anything in these days”.
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The return of the city of Vilna, long regarded as the capital of Lithuania, and other portions along the border was considered a definite gain for the country although an immediate exploitation is out of the question since the mobilization of the Poles and the occupation by the Russians has left the territory in a state of need. The Lithuanians have gathered stores of grain and other necessary supplies which will be rationed to the needy when occupation by Lithuanian forces is effected. This procedure will most likely be begun on Monday or Tuesday54 of next week following the exchange of signed agreements. The Lithuanian occupational army will advance into specified zones leaving a sealed border behind. The occupation will be gradual and thorough.
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The withdrawal of Germans from the Baltic States did not meet with the approval of the Russian Government who lodged a strong protest with the German Embassy at Moscow charging an attempt to prejudice their move in the Baltic States.
I have the feeling that a strange move is on to so charge the atmosphere with anti-Communistic propaganda that peace will shortly be brought into effect. The Italian Secretary visited me today and like the British Chargé here was full of fear for Communistic infection. [Page 969] The Church is apparently basing its drive for peace on the anti-Communism basis. It is my belief, however, that the boys are doing some dead or wishful thinking and interpreting every consequence of military action with its attendant horrors to justify their propaganda. It is also to be noted that the Germans are encouraging the hysteria and saying: “Now you see what our mission in East Europe really was”.
While not seeking to justify the Russian action in the Baltic States nor excusing their taint of Communism, I believe we are today facing the problem of a strong nationalistic Russia which is determined to strengthen her position in Europe and Asia.
We are treated to a variety of “horror stories” which remind one of those current during the invasion of Belgium when the Germans were accused of cutting off children’s arms, etc. One must naturally allow for conditions and discount many as fanciful tales. It is my opinion that the invasion by Russia was effected with considerable less brutality than that conducted by the Germans. It is also my opinion that of the Russian, German and Pole, the latter is most capable of vicious brutality since his education is most lamentable and his character most volatile. The Polish Minister55 formally protested to the Lithuanian Foreign Office today, an act which is a mere formality.
Respectfully yours,