Lithuanian diplomacy in Switzerland from 1940 to 1975

This article deals with Lithuanian diplomacy in Switzerland from 1940 to 1975. According to the sources, we can distinguish three periods of Lithuanian activity: (1) from July 30, 1940 to November 18, 1946; (2) from November 18,1946 to 1954; and (3) from 1955 to 1975. The aim of this paper is to review the activity of Lithuanian diplomats in Switzerland during the above-mentioned periods. The evidence allows us to conclude that in each period the objectives of the Lithuanian diplomats were different: at the beginning (from 1940 to 1946) they searched for the best way to re-establish the independent Lithuanian state; later (from 1946 to 1954) they sought to obtain and maintain the non-recognition of the annexation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union; and, finally (from 1955 to 1975), they were concerned to show that the Lithuanian nation still exists and that the problem of Lithuania is not solved. Lithuanian diplomats in Switzerland attended to the needs of refugees, and they collected and disseminated information about Lithuania to the media. The Lithuanian diplomatic service tried to participate at international conferences; wrote pro memorias to the Political Department of Switzerland; and organized commemorations of Lithuanian Independence Day (February 16th) and of the occupation of the Baltic States as well as various cultural eventsVytauto Didžiojo universitetasŠvietimo akademij