Wartime diplomacy in London: how Britain came to partially recognize the Soviet annexation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

ENIn June 1940 when large contingents of Soviet troops entered the Baltic states, there were 37 Estonian ships in British, Canadian and Irish ports. In subsequent British-Soviet discussions over assets both countries laid claim to them. August Torma, the Estonian minister in London, however, stood up for the interests of the ship-owners whom the war had scattered around the globe. Amid these conflicting interests, the SS Vapper came to play a crucial role. She sank in early July 1940 and the insurance claim was heard at the end of 1945. The case led to the British government's de facto recognition of the Soviet annexation not only of Estonia, but also of Latvia and Lithuania.