Belgian diplomacy in exile and the Baltic States 1940-45

ENThe diplomatic attitude of the Belgian government, exiled in London during the Second World War, is a very interesting focal point, as it shines a light on the unfortunate lot of the Baltic States during and at the end of the Second World War. The exiled Belgian government was very well informed on the dramatic evolution of the situation in the Baltic States thanks to reports coming from the Belgian embassies and consulates in Stockholm and Helsinki. Sweden remained indeed a neutral country during the war, and represented a privileged observation point concerning the geopolitical evolution of the Baltic Sea. Many Baltic refugees came to Sweden and looked to relay their accounts of the unfolding events to allied diplomats, including Belgian diplomats. Furthermore, the allied diplomats in Stockholm and Helsinki conversed on the Baltic situation. In particular, the Belgian diplomats discussed with their Soviet counterparts and relayed the information from these conversations to their government. The Belgian diplomatic reports addressed to the government exiled in London are particularly detailed and developed. The Belgian diplomats constantly addressed the minister of foreign affairs, P. H. Spaak, in favour of the cause of the Baltic States in which they were located. The minister of foreign affairs was perfectly informed of the atrocities committed by the Germans and Soviets in the Baltic States, as well as the evolution of the military operations.Despite this crucial information, one cannot help but notice the absence of an official reaction from the Belgian diplomacy concerning the dramatic events which shook the Baltic states in the aftermath of their occupation and their subsequent annexation by the USSR. That being said, the Belgian government did not officially recognise the annexation of the Baltic States by the USSR. Moreover, the comparison between the three Benelux countries and the three small Baltic States seems obvious and has often been put forward by observers, during and after the war. P. H. Spaak's political and diplomatic responsibility in the upkeep of silence regarding the Baltic States was committed. Especially from 1943 on, he looked with utmost importance to improve Belgian relations with the USSR, which explains his negligence regarding the diplomatic reports he received. This is despite the fact that numerous exiled Belgians were outraged by the fate of the Baltic peoples, which they consciously compared to the situation of the Benelux countries. Our contribution will examine the degree of information held by the Belgian diplomacy regarding military operations and Soviet politics in the Baltic States, the attitude of Belgian diplomats in Stockholm and Helsinki, and the reasons for which the Belgian government, exiled in London, kept quiet on this matter.