860M.00/451
The Lithuanian Minister (Zadeikis) to the Secretary of State
Sir: Referring to my note of June 25, 194064 I have the honor to advise you further that, according to information available, H. E. Antanas Smetona, the President of Lithuania, before departing for abroad because of ill health, on June 15, 1940 officially requested Mr. Antanas Merkys, the Prime Minister, to substitute [for] him in the duties of the President, in accordance with Article 71 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania.
On June 16, 1940, Mr. Antanas Merkys as Acting President of the Republic was replaced by Mr. Justas Paleckis, the new Prime Minister.
While President Antanas Smetona still remained abroad, Mr. Paleckis’ government, which came into existence as a result of the Soviet Union ultimatum of June 14, 1940, dismissed the Seimas (Parliament) as of July 1, 1940 and on July 6 decreed that new elections be held on July 14, 1940, disregarding the fact that the whole of Lithuania is pervaded with numerous divisions of foreign troops, which is another result of the previously mentioned Soviet ultimatum of June 14, 1940.
From the information available, it appears that the scheduled elections will be carried out exclusively under the aegis of the Communist party which was legalized recently for this and other purposes by the Paleckis government.
Grave doubt and concern arises regarding the possibility of free expression of the true will of the Lithuanian nation through the impending elections under such circumstances.
Accept [etc.]
- Not printed.↩