Międzynarodowy rezonans normalizacji stosunków polsko-litewskich w 1938 r

ENThe characteristic feature of the Polish-Lithuanian conflict of March 1938 was its very short duration given the influence exerted on the development of international relations. This also concerned the position of the Polish government, which until March 20 consciously and purposefully avoided any manifestations that could resemble an ultimatum, and called them in a possibly moderate manner, even referring to them as proposals. A similar tendency can also be observed in French, British and Italian diplomatic documents. The opinion of Minister Beck, who was convinced that „... the extremely moderate content of our demands has achieved the expected result in the global opinion...” is considered to be exaggerated, unlike the statement of Ambassador Noel, who said that the ultimatum has caused „... a little commotion in France, England and elsewhere” A rapid accumulation followed by a fast departure of Polish-Lithuanian issues from the international forum is also observable in the press. The development and conclusion of the conflict was certainly disappointing for this portion of journalists who abandoned Vienna for the ‘new frontline’ of Kowno. Historians consider the Polish-Lithuanian conflict of March 1938 a marginal international event mistakenly claiming that it „was forgotten relatively soon”. The dispute over the profits and losses caused by the Polish ultimatum has continued. However, the action of the Polish government, assuming a position o f power against Lithuania harmed the image of Poland as a state copying German methods. The author claims that the harsh approach to Lithuanians in March 1938 can hardly be considered meritorious for Poland. He also emphasizes that never before, or after that, in international practice, did one state make an ultimate demand to establish diplomatic relations with another one.