Withdrawal of the Lithuanian army from Klaipėda region (1939)

The article analyses the withdrawal of Lithuanian troops from Klaipėda region in 1939 as a reaction to the security crisis after the German ultimatum, the national and political situation in the land during the interwar period, the permanent confrontation between the state of Lithuania and the population of Klaipėda region, the circumstances of submitting to the German ultimatum and the course of action of Lithuanian military units in March 1939. During the interwar period, from 1923 to 1939, when Klaipėda region belonged de facto to the Republic of Lithuania, Germany invaded the territory that belonged to it until 1919 when the Versailles Peace Treaty was signed. Relations between the population of Klaipėda region, the central authorities of Lithuania and the army during the interwar period were tense; there were rumours about imminent uprisings and coups. Some of the anti- Lithuanian society was focused on Germany and belonged to local German national socialist organisations. One supporting organisation in Klaipėda region was the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. However, in 1938-1939, the activity of this organisation became more complicated because some of the riflemen avoided participating in any activities of the Union. Some of the riflemen belonged to German separatist organisations at the same time. After receipt of the German ultimatum, the Lithuanian government decided to withdraw its military forces from the Klaipėda region. In parallel, secret mobilisation was carried out in Lithuania and military units were supplemented with reservists, and property necessary to the army was requisitioned. Border units were strengthened with additional tank units. Confusion erupted amongst the military units of Klaipėda region because of the urgent need to disarm the members of the paramilitary organisation – the riflemen. However, the Lithuanian army units retreated and took with them almost all of their assets, and avoided any fatal incidents