860P.01/89: Telegram
The Chargé in Latvia (Washington) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:13 p.m.]
254. Latvia has greeted the first day of its incorporation into Soviet Russia with no evidences of spontaneous enthusiasm. Manifestation is scheduled for 6 p.m., today however and members of trade unions [Page 408] and all other organizations have been told they must attend. Soviet flags have already been hung before most houses in Riga and the shop windows are being decorated with displays of which Stalin’s picture generally forms the center.
The Latvian Credit Bank has been merged with the Bank of Latvia but the Government has denied rumors that the Bank of Latvia will become a branch of the Soviet State Bank.
The Foreign Office has informed me today that to enter Latvia visas must still be obtained from Latvian Legations abroad.
All Latvian ships on the high seas have been ordered to proceed immediately to Murmansk or Vladivostok.