Office of the Historian

860M.00/452: Telegram

The Minister in Lithuania (Norem) to the Secretary of State

Kaunas, July 19, 1940—10 a.m.
[Received 7:38 p.m.]

158. The election results have been announced as one of 99% variety and indicates a total lack of true democratic expression. Indications [Page 394] point to complete absorption into the Soviet Union. The new Seimas is scheduled to meet on Sunday, July 21.83

The Kulturverband is completing its registration of all German-owned property. The actual transfer of some 36,000 of German blood and 400,000 mixed blood, many of whom joined the organization for protection, has been discussed in Berlin and local reports are to the effect that it will be effected within the next 5 weeks.

Former Government leaders Merkys and Urbsys84 are reported to be in Moscow as “guests” of the Soviet Government.

The Argentine Consul has shipped his effects and plans to leave for Berlin in a few days.

Norem
  1. This body met at noon on July 21 and “decided to petition the Soviet Union for incorporation into the Soviet Union as a republic with full status.” (860M.00/453)↩
  2. Juozas Urbsys, former Lithuanian Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩