Issue of the Suvalkai region in Lithuanian– Polish relations in 1918–1923

After the end of the First World War, any active expression of national aspirations in the former territories of the Suvalkai Province was possible only with the approval of the German military administration. Until March, 1919 the representatives of the German gendarmerie favoured the Polish civilian government, but later the priority was given to the Lithuania interest. However, it is probable, that the competition between Lithuanian and Polish self-governments for the influence in the region did not affect the ethnic relations of local residents. Nevertheless, majority of the residents of the Suvalkai region did not remain indifferent to the news about demarcation line projects by the Triple Entente. After all, these projects could have influenced not only the national composition of the territories, but also the economic centres. The residents believed that the demarcation of the borders may have proved to be favourable means of dealing with the problems of the economic downturn at the time. The situation changed after the establishment of the Polish government in the Suvalkai region, when the expanding Polish administration ignored the self-determination of the Lithuanian residents. The Lithuanian government, taking the advantage of the forced withdrawal of the Polish government in July, 1920, sought to expand its influence in the Suvalkai region. The efforts were made not only to reduce the role of the Polish residents in the governance of the region, but also to influence the moods of the residents of other nationalities. The government sought for the support primarily among the local Jewish community which saw the opportunity to negotiate more favourable economic and social conditions. The Lithuanian administration failed to establish itself due to the changed situation on the war front of Soviet Russia and Poland. In 1920, after the loss of the historical capital, the Kaunas government had to pay a lot of attention to its recovery. Therefore, the importance of the Suvalkai region in the list of Lithuanian foreign policy priorities decreased. Meanwhile, the Triple Entente did not oppose Poland’s attempt to integrate the Suvalkai region into the state, which was finally implemented in February, 1923