Vilniaus krašto lietuvių gyvenimas pagal 1935-1938 m. Lenkijos valdžios dokumentus

LTJ. Maceikos knyga „Lietuvių būklė Lenkijos Respublikoje 1935– 1938“ itin reikšminga šiandieninei lietuvių visuomenei, nes: a) istorijos tyrinėtojai, naudodamiesi šios knygos dokumentais bei kita medžiaga, galės išsamiau tyrinėti XX a. Vilniaus kraštą, atrasti naujų duomenų bei patikslinti kai kuriuos spaudoje esančius teiginius; b) besidomintys Vilniaus krašto istorija, jos vietovėmis knygoje ras iki šiol nežinomų faktų, žmonių likimų, geriau supras šiandieninę valdžios atstovų santykių su Lenkijos Respublika raidą; c) leidinys svarbus Rytų Lietuvos savivaldybėms, kad jos nedarytų lietuviams praeities skriaudų, kurių iki šiol dar pasitaiko. Šis J. Maceikos leidinys papildo lietuvių tautos istorijos aruodą ne tik praeities sklaida, bet ir pamokymu, kad laisvė tautai – itin svarbi egzistencijos sąlyga. Tad skaitantiems šią knygą tegimsta pasididžiavimas Vilniaus krašto lietuviais bei geranoriškumas įamžinti jų atminimą [p. 348].

ENMore than eighty years after the text was ready, a collection of documents “The State of Lithuanians in the Republic of Poland in 1935 – 1938” came to light. It was prepared by Juozas Maceika who was a museologist and one of the most active Lithuanian society and cultural figures in Vilnius occupied by Poland. It is a unique source for everyone who is interested in or has just discovered the forgotten page of the history of the Lithuanian nation - the life of Lithuanians in the pre-war Vilnius region. Historian dr. Nastazija Kairiūkštytė writes: “The publication of J. Maceika’s manuscript is especially significant not only for researchers of Lithuanian history, who will be able to use it to study more deeply and extensively the first half of the 20th century in Vilnius region, but also for all those interested in the history of this region and its people. The publication is also needed by men and women of the authorities of the Republic of Lithuania, especially those representing Lithuania in resolving various issues related to the Republic of Poland. The more Lithuanian society is educated with the knowledge of history, the more active it will be and less indifferent to the current state of South- Eastern Lithuania, national issues and the perpetuation of historical memory.”.Prof. Dr. Bronius Makauskas, historian, diplomat, professor emeritus of Vytautas Magnus University assures: “J. Maceika’s collection of documents, accompanied by strong insights from the publisher, is an important contribution to the studies of the situation of Lithuanians in Eastern Lithuania occupied by Poland who performed the policy of polonization. The aspects have not yet been sufficiently studied. According to the then Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs J. Beck, the creation of a Polish bastion in Vilnius took place in Eastern Lithuania during the mentioned period. This publication is needed not only for those who analyse the events of the past, but also for those who are the policy-makers of modern culture and education. It provides an opportunity to assess the processes and needs in the country with a more mature perspective.”.