Diplomatic activities of Lithuania's representative B. K. Balutis in Washington (1928-1933)

Lithuanian government strove to restore good relations with Lithuanian emigrants in the USA because the latter negatively viewed military coup of December 12, 1926. Therefore the government appointed Bronius Kazys Balutis as its representative and minister plenipotentiary in Washington. Bronius Kazys Balutis who had lived in the USA and worked in Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a long time knew the people in emigration and was aware how to cooperate with them. He strongly believed that it was important to maintain good relations with the US government. Consequently Bronius Kazys Balutis did his best to speed up signing of the treaties that initiated by the US government even though these treaties were of secondary importance for Lithuania, e.g. the pact of Kelog, arbitration and conciliation treaties which were signed in 1928-1929. These efforts were favored by the American side. At the same time Bronius Kazys Balutis focussed his attention on Vilnius issue, collected information about Poland's policy in the USA and Europe, fostered anti-Polish attitudes of Lithuanians in emigration. He maintained already existing relations and initiated new ones with the US politicians and public figures who were disposed towards Lithuania. The materials on all these issues were sent to Kaunas. He also tried to persuade the US State Department to appoint its minister plenipotentiary in Kaunas thus strengthening the role of the USA representative. Bronius Kazys Balutis recommended Lithuanian government to soften military regime, because Americans' attitudes towards situation in Lithuania were rather critical. He hoped to get moral and especially political support for his country in solving national and territorial problems