800.796/10–3144
The Latvian Minister (Bilmanis) to the Secretary of State 3
Sir: According to information published in the Department of State Bulletin, volume 11 [XI], No. 273, dated September 17, 1944, page 298, an International Conference on Civil Aviation has been initiated by the Government of the United States and is to be opened on November 1, 1944. Until today no invitation has been extended to Latvia to participate in this Conference.
In this connection I wish to emphasize that:
- 1.
- Latvia, like other countries, has sovereign rights over the air over its territory;
- 2.
- Latvia is a transit country occupying an important geographical position in the northern part of Central Europe, lying on the crossroads between West and East, North and South;
- 3.
- Until the outbreak of this war several international airlines operated over Latvian territory: from Stockholm via Riga to Moscow, from Warsaw via Riga to Helsinki, and from Berlin via Riga to Helsinki;
- 4.
- Latvia was well equipped with adequate airfields, hangars, radio stations and repair shops, and also furnished meteorological service.
In order to meet and satisfy all requirements, on October 14, 1937, Latvia adhered to the International Convention of Air Navigation, signed in Paris on October 13, 1919. The Convention entered in force in Latvia on November 1, 1937.
In addition, Latvia had bilateral agreements concerning aviation over its territory with neighboring countries. A local air line existed between Riga and Liepaja, and there was a factory in Latvia building specially constructed short distance airplanes called “Spriditis” or Tom Thumb. Latvia had a sufficient number of well trained pilots, and in every way fostered international aviation.
Although at present still under foreign occupation, but hoping to regain its self government and sovereignty in accordance with the [Page 581] Atlantic Charter, Latvia is greatly interested in the proceedings of the above mentioned International Conference, wishes to be a party to the new international convention to be concluded, is ready to cooperate to its fullest extent in order to facilitate civil aviation, and welcomes such a conference, which doubtless will contribute to a better world after this war.
May I bring to your attention, Sir, that the senior Latvian Minister in London, M. Charles Zarine, who holds the emergency authority of Latvian state powers abroad, has extended to me full powers to represent Latvia in all international conferences taking place in this hemisphere.
I would very much appreciate it if I were informed, at least, about the proceedings of this Conference, which I sincerely support, even though not invited to participate.
Accept [etc.]
- The Acting Secretary of State in his reply of November 24 stated: “I am sure, Mr. Minister, that you will readily appreciate the many complex factors which make it inadvisable at this time for this Government to break recent precedents by extending an invitation to Latvia to be represented at the Aviation Conference.” (800.796/10–3144)↩