Dr. Dovas Zaunius ir jo diplomatija ekonominių sunkumų Europoje laikotarpiu (1929 11 08-1934 06 12)

ENDovas Zaunius, Doctor of Law, born in Eastern Prussia and educated in Germany, took the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs during a time when the opinions of the foreign press, and especially that of Poland, were projecting that the relationship between Lithuania and Germany would improve and at the same, become more highly aggravated with Poland. Such a stance had been implied by the submission of the Ministry platform program to the press. The reality of the situation, however, prevented its realization. Movements of the National Socialists had been intensifying in Germany, and culminated with the coming into power of Hitler in 1933. Local enthusiasts of this movement, obviously backed by German authorities, proceeded with anti-Lithuania actions in Klaipėda. Dovas Zaunius held the office of Minister during a time when Lithuania was completed, not only to change the established direction of foreign policy, involving an orientation to Germany and the Soviet Union, but also engage in litigation with Germany at the United Nations. Lithuania was victorious, even at the level of the Hague Tribunal, lasting from June to August of 1932. However, the victory made no dent in the issue of Klaipeda lands, nor improved relations with Germany. The activities of the National Socialists had become increasingly more insolent in Klaipėda. Therefore, activists were brought to trial. Germany reacted by enforcing an economic blockade to Lithuania. They stopped the purchase of Lithuanian exports and prohibited movement of transit traffic through Germany, coming to and from Lithuania. Under such circumstances, the Minister of Foreign Affairs engaged in a reinforcement of the unity of the Baltic countries. Early in 1934, he submitted memorandums to the Governments of Latvia and Estonia, regarding formation of a Baltic Entente.Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia came to agreement on the Baltic Concord; and Lozoraitis with the other Ministers of Foreign Affairs signed approval of the Concord in Geneva in 1934. The agreement was rather limited in scope. Although it included no military agreements, Baltic Unity was reinforced. The relationship with the Soviet Union remained on a good-neighbor basis. Interstate agreements between the two countries had even been renewed, twice. The Protocol for the Extension of the Non-Aggression Pact, concluded in Moscow on September 28, 1926, was signed on May 6, 1931. A new Protocol was signed in Moscow on April 4, 1934, by virtue of which time of the effectiveness of the aforementioned Pact was extended to December 31, 1945. Zaunius wanted to improve relations with Russia and reinforce Lithuanian relations with France for a dual purpose. He hoped to enlist the aid of these two countries in discovering the means to guarantee the security of Lithuania, as well as to develop a system of collective security in Europe. Dovas Zaunius altered the course of his activities. He rejected the exploitation of the conflict between Germany and Soviet Russia as a means of assurance for the independence and indivisibility of Lithuania. Instead, he turned to a direction of implementing a collective security.Relations with other countries remained virtually unchanged. The exception was a complication of relations with the Holy See due to certain disagreements with Nuncio Bartoloni on specific articles of the Concord. Personal motives tended additionally complicate matters. Zaunius was not Catholic; and furthermore, he had divorced and married for the third time. In 1931, official relations with the Vatican were terminated for a time. A world wide economic crisis marked the period in which Zaunius held the office as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The situation required a focus of his attention to economic problems, trade and border agreements, and other issues of concern with neighboring countries. Under the leadership of Zaunius, the Ministry signed numerous international conventions and agreements, and proceeded to implement them. Dovas Zaunius reestablished representative offices of Lithuania, which had earlier been recalled by Voldemaras in Sweden, Finland and Czechoslovakia. He opened a new embassy in South America and consulates in Asia, Africa and America. The staff of the Ministry was increased and activities therein, intensified. New military bases, press offices, agricultural attaches and other types of branches were established. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself was reorganized, and streamlined for steady, ongoing work.