News

On 14 July, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, participated in the commemoration of the Sumner Welles Declaration at Washington Square in Vilnius.

When addressing the participants of the event, the head of Lithuania's diplomacy emphasized that the Sumner Welles Declaration is one of the most significant documents of international law of the 20th century, which has become a strong symbol of freedom, the rule of law, and values-based diplomacy.

"When many in the world chose the comfort of silence silence, the United States clearly stated that it would not recognise the occupation of the Baltic states. This principled decision preserved the continuity of Lithuania's statehood, gave hope to the occupied nations and set an example to other states. This was proof that force cannot destroy the law," said Budrys.

The Minister noted that the declaration, inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, had become a cornerstone of the U.S. non-recognition policy. As a result, Lithuania remained a subject of international law throughout the period of occupation, and its freedom case was constantly brought in the international sphere.

According to Budrys, the principles of the declaration have not lost their relevance in the 21st century.

"The Declaration recalls that the international order must be based on  law, not force. This message remains just as important today, as we face attempts to alter borders through aggression and deny nations the right to determine their own future," the Minister said.

Budrys also stressed the practical significance of the U.S. non-recognition policy. It resulted in the continuous operation of the Lithuanian embassy in Washington, D.C., the continuation of activities by Lithuanian diplomatic missions, and the protection of Lithuania's interwar gold reserve from Soviet seizure by the United States, allowing it to be used to finance Lithuania's diplomatic service in exile.

The Minister also singled out the long-time Lithuanian diplomat Anicetas Simutis, who for more than five decades represented Lithuania's interests in the United States despite the occupation of Lithuania. According to Budrys, Simutis' service became living proof of the principles of the Sumner Welles Declaration and a symbol of the continuity of Lithuania's statehood.

"Today we are not talking about lost history, but about the preserved right to continue it. We thank the United States of America and all the people who remained faithful to the principles of freedom, law and justice, who helped Lithuania to preserve the continuity of its statehood and return to the community of free nations," the Minister noted.

The Sumner Welles Declaration of July 23, 1940, established the U.S. position not to recognize the occupation and annexation of the Baltic states. This policy was consistently continued throughout the period of Soviet occupation and became one of the most important international guarantees of the continuity of Lithuania's statehood until the restoration of independence in 1990.

The traditional commemoration of the declaration was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.