760m.61/87
The Minister in Lithuania (Norem) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 14.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that on Friday, October 20, I called upon the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Mr. Juozas Urbsys, and discussed the various problems arising from the general war situation and the Russian-Lithuanian relations.
Mr. Urbsys began by stating that Finland seemed to have determined upon a course of resistance that did not promise to help the generally bad situation in this part of the world. He stated also that Germany’s interest in Finland was something to speculate about and surely the Aaland islands were of great importance to her. If Germany and Russia were to come to grips over a misunderstanding on the extent of their spheres of influence, Lithuania might find itself being overrun with an invading host.
Her ally Russia seemed to be moving from one point to another with care and no haste. The various problems connected with the turning over of the Territory58 had not been solved and the Russians had given no indication that it would be turned over at a definite date. It was thought likely that on either Monday or Tuesday, the various questions would be settled and the final disposition of boundaries, etc. made. 30,000 Lithuanian troops are ready to march.
Mr. Urbsys told me that he expected the Military Commission would leave Moscow on Friday or Saturday evening in their special railway car. Discussions will be carried on at Kaunas between the Russian and Lithuanian Commissions and settlement will be made concerning aerodromes, barracks for the Russian garrison, etc.
The Foreign Minister told me confidentially that the Lithuanian Government found little joy in the prospect of the Russian garrison and have no guarantee that they will leave when a general European Peace might be arrived at. He thinks that they may prefer to stay on in the country. Article One of the recently signed pact was the only article in which Lithuania could find genuine joy. The other articles were in the pact because the Russians insisted upon them.
In this connection I might state that several leading citizens have approached me to say that they appreciated our consideration in hanging out the American flag on October 11, which date the Lithuanians chose to commemorate the return of their beloved Vilna. I mentioned to them that ironically enough our flag was hung in honor [Page 975] of a Polish citizen who rendered a service to America, Count Pulaski.59
The Lithuanian Government has received various reports and rumors that during the past week the Russians have engaged in a systematic despoiling of the Territory ceded. They are removing machinery from the manufacturing places, etc. I asked whether the Lithuanian Government contemplated entering a protest against this procedure and Mr. Urbsys answered with a question: What is there to do? They had approached the central government in Moscow on hearing the first reports of Russian pilfering and had been referred to one of the Soviet Republics near Vilna, presumably the White Russian Republic. Although the Lithuanian government had understood that the Territory would be handed over “as is”, they do not feel that they can effectively protest. In short, they shall be happy to get back the soil of Vilna and the adjacent portions of the grant.
Mr. Urbsys mentioned that the commission which was left in Moscow to work out the details of the border signed by Mr. Molotov and himself had not as yet reported. He thought it likely that their report might arrive on Saturday or Sunday.
Though the unexpected delay has evidently caused some speculation on the part of the Lithuanian Government and given consternation to the large group of newspaper men who had gathered for the occasion, I think it is merely one of those things to be marked as Russian haste. As Mr. Urbsys pointed out, the Lithuanians must wait upon the invitation of the Russian government and move in with due caution to avoid troop clashes.
Respectfully yours,