760m.6111/29: Telegram
The Minister in Lithuania (Norem) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—4:04 p.m.]
47. I was informed in strict confidence by Vice Prime Minister Bizauskas today that the Soviet Government has offered to Lithuania the city of Vilna and neighboring territory inhabited by Lithuanians in return for a full pact of mutual assistance. No economic demands have been formulated as yet by the Soviet Government. The proposals were presented in a friendly manner without undue pressure. Bizauskas added that the full extent of the military concessions desired by Russia is not clear and that Lithuania hopes to ameliorate the conditions in order better to guard its sovereignty.
A commission of 14 headed by Urbsys and including Norkaitis, Chief of the Economic Section of the Foreign Office will leave within a day or so for Moscow.
Bizauskas stated that Munters is expected to sign a full Latvian-Soviet military agreement in Moscow today which will give the Soviet Union the right to garrison Libau, Windau33 and possibly Domesnes Point34 at the opening of the Gulf of Riga.
He also said that the Russians are purchasing and removing all movable stores including foodstuffs and clothing from occupied Polish territory. He added that although the Soviet motorized troops in Vilna are well equipped, the infantry is poorly dressed and equipped.