Welles' Declaration on Baltic States Recognition

July 23rd, 1940

July 23rd, 1940

Welles' Declaration on Baltic States Recognition
How Long Ago?

84 years, 7 months, 20 days ago

Location

Washington, D.C., United States

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Sumner Welles
Links & References
Tags

Welles' Declaration on Baltic States Recognition

Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles issued a declaration emphasizing the U.S. non-recognition policy towards the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This declaration reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to maintain legal and diplomatic principles against coercion and illegal territorial changes. The U.S. position aimed to support the sovereignty of these nations and highlight the illegitimacy of Soviet actions.

Welles affirmed U.S. non-recognition of Soviet annexation.

Emphasized legal principles of sovereignty and self-determination.

Response to Soviet occupation during World War II.

Precedent for future U.S. foreign policy in Eastern Europe.

What Happened?

Sumner Welles, the Under Secretary of State for the United States, issued a pivotal declaration outlining America’s non-recognition policy concerning the Soviet occupation and annexation of the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This statement was made against the backdrop of World War II, during a time when the Soviet Union had rapidly expanded its territory under the pretext of security. The Baltic states had been independent since the end of World War I, and their forced incorporation into the Soviet Union was largely viewed as a violation of international law and principles of self-determination.

Welles’ declaration served as a formal rebuke of the Soviet actions and underscored the U.S. commitment to uphold the principle of non-recognition of territorial gains achieved through coercion. Notably, the non-recognition policy was a cornerstone of U.S. foreign relations and was leveraged to support nations whose sovereignty had been compromised. It reflected a diplomatic stance that would resonate throughout wartime and into the post-war period, as the U.S. sought to establish its global leadership by promoting democratic principles.

The declaration indicated that the United States would not consider the Baltic republics as part of the USSR. This policy would have lasting implications for U.S.-Soviet relations and contributed to the narrative surrounding Baltic independence throughout the Cold War, as well as their eventual re-establishment of sovereignty in 1990.

Why Does it Matter?

The issuance of this declaration was significant as it set a precedent for U.S. policy regarding occupied territories during the broader context of World War II and the Cold War. It demonstrated the U.S. commitment to international law and self-determination, which would influence post-war geopolitical dynamics. This stance helped shape future U.S. diplomacy and contributed to the eventual recognition of Baltic independence decades later.

Discover More Historic Events from July 23rd

Natural Disasters

Deadly Wildfire in East Attica, Greece

July 23rd, 2018 6 years ago

A devastating wildfire swept through East Attica, resulting in the loss of at least 102 lives. The blaze ravaged the coastal town of Mati, engulfing homes and vehicles in flames, prompting mass evacuations. Many victims were trapped while attempting to escape to the sea, leading to a tragic toll. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to such natural disasters.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

NASA's Discovery of Kepler-452b

July 23rd, 2015 9 years ago

NASA announced the discovery of exoplanet Kepler-452b, located 1,400 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. Identified by the Kepler space telescope, this rocky planet orbits a star similar to the Sun in its habitable zone, suggesting the potential for liquid water and conditions suitable for life. The announcement highlighted Kepler-452b as the first near-Earth-sized planet found in the habitable zone of a star similar to the Sun, raising excitement in the astronomical community about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

TransAsia Airways Flight 222 Crash Incident

July 23rd, 2014 10 years ago

TransAsia Airways Flight 222 crashed near Huxi, Penghu while approaching Penghu Airport, resulting in the loss of 48 lives out of 58 on board. The accident also caused injuries to five individuals on the ground. The crash occurred during adverse weather conditions, including low visibility and heavy rain, which complicated the approach to the airport.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Massive Solar Storm Nearly Hits Earth

July 23rd, 2012 12 years ago

In July 2012, a significant coronal mass ejection (CME) was emitted by the Sun, creating a powerful solar storm that traveled through space. This storm was notable for its intensity and potential impact on Earth’s electrical systems. Scientists noted that if the CME had struck Earth directly, it could have led to damages estimated at up to $2.6 trillion, affecting power grids and satellite operations worldwide. Fortunately, the storm missed Earth by just nine days, averting a potential crisis for global technology infrastructure.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

High-speed train collision on Yongtaiwen railway

July 23rd, 2011 13 years ago

A high-speed train on the Yongtaiwen line in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China, rear-ended another train while traveling on a viaduct. The collision resulted in significant casualties, including 40 fatalities and numerous injuries. This incident raised serious concerns about railway safety protocols in China and the operational efficiency of high-speed rail systems.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Bombings in Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

July 23rd, 2005 19 years ago

Three bombs detonated in the Naama Bay area of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, resulting in 88 fatalities and over 200 injuries. The attacks targeted popular tourist locations and were part of a series of explosions across the region. The incident shocked both local and international communities and raised alarms about security in tourist areas following previous attacks in Egypt. It was a particularly brutal act intended to instill fear among both Egyptian citizens and foreign visitors.

Continue Reading