860M.00/457: Telegram
The Minister in Lithuania (Norem) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 25—9:45 a.m.]
170. During interim period while awaiting word of acceptance into the U.S.S.R. expected August 1st, the Sovietization process is being intensified.96 Gestapo, police and workers’ militia are active. Yesterday all jewelry stores were relieved of their valuable gold and silver stocks and precious stones. Estate owners, former leaders and wealthy people are receiving attention. Arrests are being made consistently [constantly] and so silently, usually under cover of night, that a veritable pall has descended over the country. The deposits of all Americans have been frozen as an answer to our action. It is difficult for local people to obtain visas or other attention since much confusion obtains from the state of disintegration and division of authority.
- With his despatch No. 894 (Diplomatic), September 1, the Chargé in Lithuania sent copies of the official Vyriausybės Żinios, No. 719, July 22, 1940, printed in gold-colored ink, which contained the Lithuanian texts of the declaration establishing the Soviet system in Lithuania (July 21, 1940), and of the request of the new Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic for admission into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (July 21, 1940). (860M.00/467)↩