Err in the Usa: America Condemned the Occupation of the Baltic States 85 Years Ago

Eesti Rahvusringhääling

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Wednesday marked the 85th anniversary of the Welles Declaration, a statement by the United States condemning the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States. It was a landmark step that played a significant role in relations between the Baltic states and the United States.

Deník.cz

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When the Soviet Union militarily occupied Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in June 1940 and overthrew their governments, then-US Secretary of State Sumner Welles issued a declaration on July 23 stating that the United States would never recognize the annexation. “Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia must be free and independent countries,” the document read. The United States never revoked its validity. Until his demand was finally met.