Exactly 85 years ago, on July 23, 1940, Acting U.S. Secretary of State Sumner Welles issued a statement condemning the occupation of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union and declaring it illegal. The
statement, later known as the Welles Declaration, formed the basis of the United States’ non-recognition policy toward the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States and remained in force until the restoration of their independence in 1991.
This non-recognition policy enabled the diplomatic missions of the Baltic States to continue operating abroad, including advocating for their independence, and helped prevent the forced repatriation of refugees to the Soviet Union. The Welles Declaration laid the groundwork for the international legal framework that made the restoration of independence possible for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the Welles Declaration helped preserve hope during five decades of occupation, contributed to affirming Estonia’s legal continuity, and demonstrated that while the Soviet Union attempted to justify the occupation and annexation of the Baltic States, the free world saw through these efforts.
Tsahkna also emphasized that the Welles Declaration holds lessons for today’s world.
“Just as in 1940 the United States condemned the illegal occupation and annexation of the Baltic States through the Welles Declaration, Estonia today reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” said Tsahkna.
“Estonia will never recognize the redrawing of borders by force and will continue to stand firmly for Ukraine’s right to restore control over all of its internationally recognized territory — all 603,628 square kilometers of it.”
Additional information:
Communication Department
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