Ja aastast 1940/ And from year 1940

Such info searched out by Jerry Waters. Can anybody explain, please, does this de facto occupation of the Baltic States mean also de jure occupation?!

The Times | July 5, 1940

OCCUPIED BALTIC STATES CAUTIOUS SOVIET POLICY

FROM A CORRESPONDENT Within a month of the departure of Hitler's Baltic Germans from Tallinn on May 18, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were occupied by Soviet troops, and Governments enjoying the confidence of Moscow were set up in each State. During their 20 years of independence, by unremitting sacrjfice and united, dogged, well-planned efforts, these States had struggled out of war-ravaged, poverty-stricken conditions to a standard of living incomparably higher than that existing in the Soviet Union. This prosperity the Soviet leaders aim to preserve. Therefore they have subtly avoided arousing animosity. The Communist Party was declared illegal in these States several years ago.. The newly appointed Governments include no member of the Comintern nor any Communist national of any of the States-some were in prison, others had escaped into Russia. Few are Socialists, alt are avowed Nationalists, and almost all are drawn from the professional class of the community. Internal administration has not yet been interfered with and there are indications that changes are to be introduced only in an ostensibly constitutional manner, such as by elections. In each State, a few hundred political prisoners, not only Communists, were immediately released. The retention of President Paets, of Estonia, and President Ulmanis, of Latvia, at their posts is a guarantee of no disturbance, for these popular leaders have piloted their countries through many storms, and the people are confident they will do their utmost to retain the greatest measure of autonomy possible. The flight of President Smetona shocked the Lithuanian people, as he was their first President, had been President since 1926, and was virtually Dictator for 10 years, and Parliament, elected four years ago, was artificially of one party- his supporters. The Presidents of Estonia and Latvia, too, had periods of authoritarian regime, to avoid civil war after attempts at a Puttscl. In Estonia this had been succeeded by a Government nominated by the President assisted by a Chamber of Deputies- 80 elected members- and a National Council representing the Army, learning, religion, finance, and labour. In Latvia, election depended on profession, not geography. The State Economic Council and State Council of Culture represented the Chambers of Trade and Industry, of Agriculture, of Labour, of Professions, of Arts and Crafts, and of Art -1o T _11-r

The Times | June 17, 1940

DEMANDS TO BALTIC STATES ESTONIA AND LATVIA
TALLINN, June 17.-Estonia has accepted demands from the Soviet Government "to guarantee the carrying out of the Soviet-Estonian Mutual Assistance Pact," it is officially announecd here. The Estonian Government, after accepting the demands, resigned, and the President is taking the necessary measures for the speedy formation of a new Ministry. The Soviet demands include one for the augmentation of the Soviet garrison in Estonia, and Red troops will now be stationed in several new centres.-Reter. According to a Moscow dispatch to the official German News Agencv, Russia has also sent demands to Latvia similar to those presented to Estonia. *.* A message on Lithuania's acceptance of a Soviet ultimatum appears on page 5. SOVIET

The Times | August 2, 1940

RUSSIAN POLICY IN EUROPE NEUTRALITY REAFFIRMED M. MOLOTOFF ADDRESSES SUPREME' SOVIET COUNCIL RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN

M. Molotoff, the Soviet Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, reviewed Soviet relations with foreign countries in the light of the present war. He declared that Russia would remain neutral, and that efforts to detach her from the Pact with Germany had failed. Relations with Great Britain, he said, had not improved, though he acknowledged that the mission of Sir Stafford Cripps showed a desire for a better understanding. COURSE OF WAR REVIEWED INCORPORATION OF TERRITORIES Ile seventh session of the Suprcme Council of the Soviet Union met in Moscow yesterday (says Reuter). M. Molotoff, President of the Council of People's Commissars and Commissar for Foreign Affairs, made a statement on foreign policy in which he said:- Since last spring the war has been developing rapidly. In a matter of a month or six weeks the Gcrman Army not only broke the resistance of France, but compelled her to sign armistice terms under which the greater part of her territory, including Paris, remains in the occupation of German troops. Although she has obtained an armistice, France has not yet obtained peace. Of the two Allies that confronted Germany and Italy, only England has remained; and she has decided to continue the war, relying on the assistance of the United States. There is no need to dwell here on all the causes that brought about the defeat of France, who revealed her exceptional weakness in war. Clearly the cause lay not only in bad military preparedncss; of considerable importance was also the fact that, unlike Germany, leading circles in France treated too lightly the role and the weight of the Soviet Union in European affairs. Recent events have shown that the ruling circles in France were not connected with the people, and far from relying on its support, feared their people which is deservedly famed as a liberty-loving people with glorious revolutionary traditions.

HITLER'S " PEACE" In her war against the Allies, Germany achieved great successes, but she has not yet achieved her principal objective- the termination of the war on terms which she considers desirable. On July 19 the German Chancellor again addressed England with an appeal to come to terms with regard to peace, but the British Govcrrment, as we know, rejected this proposal. Thc British Government interpreted this proposal as a demand for England's capitulation and stated in reply that they would continue the war until victory. This means that the Government of Great Britain do not wish to give up the colonies which Great Britain possesses in all parts of the globe and declare that they are prepared to continue the war for world supremacy, in spite of the fact that after the defeat of France and the entry of Italy into the war on the side of Germany this struggle involves considerably greater diffiulties for Great Britain. The first year of the war is drawing to a close but the end of the war is not yet in sight. It is more problematic that we are now on the eve of a new stage in the intensification of the war between Germany and Italy on the one side and England, assisted by the United States on the other. All thcse events have not caused a change in the foreign policy of the Union. True to her policy of peace and neutrality, the Sovict Union is not taking part in the war. Our relations with Germany, which underwent a turn nearly a year ago, remain entirely as they were laid down in the Soviet-German Agreement. This agreement, strictly observed by our Government. removed the possibility of friction in Soviet-German relations and has assured Germany a calm feeling of security in the East. Developments in Europe, far from reducing the strength of the Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact, on the contrary emphasized the importance of its existence and further development.

BRITISH AMBASSADOR Referring to speculations in the foreign Press on the possibility of disagreement between the Soviet Union and Germany, NJ. Molotoff added:- These attempts have been exposed more than once by ourselves as well as by Germany and swept aside as worthless. We call only reiterate that in our opinion the good-neighbourly and friendly relations that have been established between the Soviet Union and Germany are not based on fortuitous considerations of a transient nature but on the fundamental State interests of both thc U.S.S.R. and Germany. It must also be noted that our relations with Italy have lately improved. An exchange of views with italy has revealed that there is every possibility for our countries to ensure mutual understanding in the sphere of foreign policy. As regards Soviet-British relations, no essential changes have lately occurred in them. It should be admitted that after all the hostile acts committed by Great Britain against the U.S.S.R. it was difficult to expect that Soviet- British relations would develop favourably. The appointment of Sir Stafford Cripps as Ambassador to the U.S.S.R. possibly does reflect a desire on the rart of Great Britain to improve relations with the Soviet Union.

RUMANIA AND BALTIC Referring to the " problems " whose successful solution" had expanded Soviet territory and multiplied the forces of the Union, M. Molotoff spoke of the cession of territory by Rumania, and said: - The frontiers of the Soviet Union have thus been advanced westward to the Danube, which, after the Volga, is the biggest river in Europe and one of the most important routes for commercial exchanges between a number of European nations. In general, our relations with Rumania should from now on take a perfectly normal course. The problem of the relations between the Soviet Union and the Baltic countries entered into a new stage when it was found that the mutual assistance pacts concluded with Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia did not lead as was expected to a rapprochement between Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on the one hand and the Sovict Union on the other. The bourgeois groups who were governing Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were incapable of applying honestly the mutual assistance pacts concluded with the Soviet Union. It became absolutely impossible to tolerate any longer such a state of affairs, especially in the conditions created by the present international situation.

The most important measure taken by the pro-Soviet-Governments created in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia was the organization of free Parliamentary elections. The Diets of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. elected by a tiniversal, direct, equal, and secret vote, have already pronounced themselves unanimously for the establishment of the Soviet regime and the incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in the Union. This means that the Union will increase her population by 2,880,000 inhabitants of Lithuania, 1,950,000 of Latvia, and 1,120,000 of Estonia. Thus with the Bessarabian population and that of Northern Bukovina, the population of the Soviet Union will have increased by approximately 10,000,000. SOVIET MILLIONS If to this we add more than 13,000,000 in- habitants of the Western Ukraine and Western. White Russia, the increase in the population of the Soviet Union in the past year will exceed 23,000,000. It is worth mentioning that 19-20ths of that population formerly formed part of the U.S.S.R., but had been forcibly taken from it by the Westerm imperialist Powers when the U.S.S.R. was weak. The Union will now speak in the name of at least 193,000,000 people. The fact that henceforth the frontiers of the Soviet Union will be transferred to the Baltic Coast is of primary importance to our country. As a result we shall have ice-free ports on the Baltic Sea of which we had great need. The Finnish Government has accepted our Proposals for the demilitarization of the Aaland Islands, and for the establishment in these islands of a Soviet Consulate. The future development of Soviet-Finnish relations in a sense favourable to the two countries dcpends principally on Finland herself. Thus, if certain elements of Finnish Government circles do not cease their repressive anti-social actions, which are opposed to the consolidation of good neighbourly relations with the U.S.S.R., the relations between the U.S.S.R. and Finland may suffer accordingly. Our relations with the Scandinavian countries, Norway and Sweden, cannot depend on the situation which has been created. As regards Norway, nothing definite can be said at the moment in view of her particular situation. As regards Sweden, it must be recognized as a fact of particular importance that our two countries are interested in the development of economic and commercial relations.

AIRCRAFT OVER OILFIELD Regarding the Balkan countries, the fact of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia must be particularly emphasized. Our relations with Bulgaria may be considered normal. In our relations with Turkey, no essential change has occurred. It need only be said that the documents recently published in the German White Book throw a disagreeable light on certain aspects of the activities developed in Turkey. The explanations given afterwards by the French Ambassador to Turkey changed nothing of the nature of these documents. In this connexion I must say that early in April the Soviet Government made representations to Turkey concerning a foreign aeroplane coming from Turkish territory which flew over the region of Batum, where there are many oil refineries. At first Turkey denied that any aircraft whatever had emerged from Turkish territory. Later, however, Turkey promised to take measures against such flights in the future. As regards Iran, there is no new important event to report. However, speaking of Iran, too, it is impossible to pass over in silence another incontestable fact. Late in March the region of Baku received a visit from two foreign aeroplanes coming from the direction of Iran. The Iranian Government deemed it necessary to deny this fact. But in this case also the documents of the German White Book throw sufficient light on the incident in question. It must be observed that the repeated dispatch of these foreign reconnaissance aircraft could not aim at anything other but a complication of our relations with our neighbours. As regards Japan it may be said that recently our relations have tended towards normalization to a certain extent. It can be recognized that there are certain general indications of the desire on the part of Japan to improve her relations with the Soviet Union. I am not going to dwell upon our relations with the United States of America, if only for the reason that there is nothing good to be said in this matter. The fact- that the United States authorities are illegally withholding gold quite recently bought by our State bank from the banks of Lithuania, Latvia. and Estonia has provoked the most energetic protests on our part. We can only remind the United States Government, as well as the British Government, which adopted the same attitude, that they bear responsibility for these illegal acts. With regard to our relations with " great national China." who is fighting for her existence, they have retained a friendly and good-neighbourly character arising from the Sino-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression.

IMPERIALIST APPETITES The changes which have taken place in Europe as a result of the great success of German arms cannot be considered as already promising a speedy liquidation of the war. The strengthening of one belligerent party and the weakening of the other has- produced serious repercussions not only in Europe but also in other parts of the world. Among the countries which have followed France in defeat are Belgium and Holland, whiclh have large colonial possessions which they can no longer defend with the same force as in the past. As a result the question of the distribution of colonies is becoming more and more acute. Imperialist appetites have been whetted not only in distant Japan but also in the United States, where there are quite a few covetous amateurs who are dissimulating their imperialist plans under the banner of anxiety " for the interests of the " Western Hemisphere." In these conditions, the Soviet Union must show its keen vigilance as regards its exterior secuirity and the strengthening of all its interior and exterior positions. In order to ensure new successes for the Soviet Union, we must always remember the words of Comrade Stalin, who said: " We must keep our entire people in a state of mobilization, ready to face the danger 'of military aggression, so that no hazards and no manocuvres of our enemies abroad can take us unawares." If we all remember this sacred duty, no cvent will take us unawares, and we shall achieve new and even more glorious successes for the Soviet Union.


The Times | August 8, 1940

SOVIET HOLD ON THE BALTIC ESTONIA TAKEN INTO THE FOLD
FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT MOSCOW, AUG. 7 The Soviet Supreme Council last night received Estonia into the Soviet Union. Latvia and Lithuania were incorporated at the two previous sittings, so that the shore of the Gulf of Finland and of the Baltic from Viborg to the German frontier has now officially become Soviet territory. After an interlude of 20 years, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have now returned to Russia as constituent Republics of the Soviet Union. In the spring of this year the Soviet Government found that the treaties with the Baltic States were insufficient from the standpoint of Soviet security in view of the alteration in the balance of power which had been brought -about by the European war, and in view of what the Soviet Government regarded as the equivocal foreign policy of the Baltic States Governments. After further negotiations in Moscow, the Soviet garrisons in all the' Baltic States were largely increased. The subsequent elections returned Parliaments which sent to Moscow the delegations that have been appearing this week before the Supreme Council with applications for incorporation in the U.S.S.R.

HIGH HOPES OF RUSSIA M. Molotoff, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, at the opening sitting of the Supreme Council explained the reasons for Soviet policy towards the Baltic States. The delegations gave reasons why Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia should join Soviet Russia. These were the same in each case-the overthrow of capitalists, landlords, and bourgeois regimes which wanted to involve the Baltic States in the war so that they might serve as springboards for the British imperialists to take action against the Soviet Union. The delegations stated that they expected that the aspirations of the workers, the peasants, and the intelligentsia for a higher standard of living would be gratified in Soviet Russia. As in the case of the Latvians and Lithuanians, the delegation from Estonia marched into St. Andrew's Hall at the Kremlin carrying banners, and also the application for admission contained in a handsomely bound volume. The delegates included an Army officer of high rank and three women. Having concluded the business of the Baltic States, the Council proceeded to the ratification of important labour and agricultural decrees issued in recent weeks.


The Times | August 7, 1940
ESTONIA JOINS SOVIET UNION Before a crowded session of the Supreme Soviet in Moscow yesterday Estonia (says Reuter) appealed for incorporation in Soviet Russia. The appeal was made by M. Lauretskis, Secretary of the Estonian Communist Partv, who referred to the "state of misery of Estonia under the bourgeoisie, whom t'he British put into power after the German occupation." He declared that only membership of the Soviet Union could guarantee Estonia's prosperity, peace, and independence. Estonia's application was unanimously granted by the Supreme Soviet (states Exchange) thus completing the incorporation of the thrce Baltic countries and Bessarabia and Bukovina with a combined population of about 10,000.000 into the U.S.S.R.


The Times | June 18, 1940
SOVIET FORCES MOVE IN LATVIA AND ESTONIA OCCUPIED MOLOTOFF'S ULTIMATUM

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT STOCKHOLM, JUNE 17 The occupation of Latvia and Estonia by Soviet troops, similar to that already carried 6ut in Lithuania, began last night. Large forces of mechanized infantry and artillery continue to pour into the three Republics. Some people estimate that half a million troops have already crossed the frontiers, but it is impossible to say with certainty. The operations against Latvia and Estonia began yesterday when a Note was handed by M. Molotoff to M. Kocins, the Latvian Minister, requiring an immediate change of Government and the free passage of troops to occupy the most important centres in Latvia, in order to guarantee the fulfilment of the mutual assistance pact signed last autumn with the Soviet Government. The Note alleged that Latvia and Estonia had violated the pact because they had not cancelled their previous military alliance, but had even cxtended it by including Lithuania and trying to include Finland. M. Molotoff handed the Estonian Minister a similar Note. In the course of yesterday the Latvian and Estonian Governments intimated their acceptance of the ultimatum, whereupon the entry of the Red troops began. In Kaunas there was announced a provisional list of the principal members of the new Lithuanian Government as follows:-M. Paleckis. Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; M. Kreve-Mickevicius, Foreign Minister; General Litkauskas. Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief; M. Pakarklis, Minister of Justice; Ni. V'enclova, Minister of Education; M. Vidmantas, Minister of Communications; M. Mickyi. Minister of Agriculture. The Minister of Finance has not yet been appointed. Germany has informed the Soviet Government that President Smetona and some members of his Government have arrived in Germany and have been interned. SOVIET WARSHIPS AT RIGA According to dispatches from the Latvian capital (says Reuter), Soviet warships have entered the port of Riga and Soviet armoured cars and tanks have taken up positions in the city itself. The Governments of Latvia and Estonia have resigned.


The Times | July 25, 1940
Russia on the Baltic

The announcement at the week-end that the National Assemblies of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, convened for the purpose, have decided on the incorporation of their respective countries in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has been received here with mixed feelings. The three Baltic States had enjoyed a full measure of the traditional British sympathy for small nations. In their fight for independence after the last War they received liberal British support. Their relations with Great Britain were always entirely cordial. The British market was the most reliable outlet for their products. Indeed it may have been -the virtual severance of trade relations between them and this country since the outbreak of war which finally convinced them of the hopelessness of their plight. Yet, whatever happens now, this experience of independence has not been wholly lost. Literally and, metaphorically, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have "put them- " selves on the map." They have gained self-respect and, won the respect of others. They have secured a recognition for their languages and literatures which should not be impaired under the new regime. The sudden decision for reunion with Russia, unanimously and simultaneously taken in the three countries, was clearly the result of peremptory prompting from Moscow; and the United States Government has been logical and consistent in applying its doctrine of non-recognition. Yet personal sympathy for those who so gallantly upheld the national independence of these countries, and in particular for their Ministers in London, who have pro- tested against the decision, should not blind us to certain aspects of the situation which preclude hasty judgment. The case is on a widely different footing from that of Finland. These countries came into being at a period.which, in its enthusiasm for the panacea of national self-determination, seriously underestimated the difficulties inherent in the creation of tiny national units. Territories whose popula- tions were no larger than those of many modern cities were called on to maintain armies, navies, parliaments, diplomatic representatives abroad, and all the paraphernalia of a modern State. The burdens and the responsibilities were too great. It was a far cry from the Baltic to Great Britain, and a still farther one to the shores of the American continent. In the long run these small countries were com- pelled to look for protection to one of their great neighbours. In this issue their free choice would never have been in doubt. Throughout Latvia and Estonia the oppressive exactions of the Baltic barons were far more vividly remembered and keenly resented than the intrusion of the Russian official and Russian garrisons. Even if they had been tempted to turn to Germany for counsel or assistance, HITLER'S attitude would have rapidly disabused them. By the German-Soviet pact of last August HITLER not only conceded the Baltic States to STALIN but facilitated the transaction by the removal lock, stock, and barrel of the large and prosperous German community. What has happened was the product of HITLER's decision, however unwelcome this further extension of Russian power in the Baltic may now appear to the German General Staff. The unanimous vote for incorporation in Soviet Russia reflects, therefore, not merely pressure from Moscow but sincere recognition that this was a better alternative than absorption in the new Nazi Europe. Those Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians of the older generation who remember the black days of the past and who took part in the struggle for libera- tion can hardly avoid some feelings of bitterness and disappointment. But many of the younger generation, who knew none of these things, had become increasingly conscious of the limited outlook and restricted economic opportunities of life in a midget State; and they will accept the decision with greater resignation. The most difficult problem which confronts the new regime is probably that of land tenure. The last twenty years' have witnessed the growth of a strong tradition of peasant ownership and cooperative marketing. In Estonia and Latvia the standard of living and the level of education are far higher than among the peasants on whom collectivization has been imposed in other parts of the Soviet Union. It is reported that farms of less than seventy-five acres, which will include a large proportion of the peasant holdings, are to be exempt from nationalization. This is an act of wisdom which, if maintained, will do much to smooth the inevitable hardships of transition. It may be hoped that equal wisdom will be shown in discouraging the victimization of those associated with the national regimes of the past few years. The principal impulse to such victimization is likely to come not from Moscow but from local leaders of the Left who had suffered imprisonment and other disabilities under those regimes. The Soviet authorities will probably discover that they have nothing to gain from the prosecution of such vendettas.

The Times | June 19, 1940

SOVIET TROOPS IN BALTIC STATES OCCUPATION COMPLETED
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT STOCKHOLM, JUNE 18 Soviet troops yesterday and today reached all the chief centres of Latvia and Estonia, and although they continue to arrive the occupation may be considered as virtually completed. Armoured cars and tanks dominate the bridgeheads and chief crossroads in Riga, and units of the Red Fleet have entered the ports of Riga and Tallinn. New Governments in Latvia and Estonia have not yet been formed, but negotiations, with the presentation of candidates for approval, are proceeding with Soviet officials who have arrived in Riga and Tallinn. President Ulmanis, in a broadcast last night, told the Latvian people that he is remaining at his post and urged all to carry on their usual work. This has had a quietening effect. A curfew was ordered in Riga yesterday between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., and shops selling alcohol and arms have been temporarily closed. The new Lithuanian Government has- ordered a far-reaching amnesty, freeing several hundred political prisoners, especiallv members of the Left Wing.

The Times | July 22, 1940
BALTIC STATES JOIN RUSSIA NEW SOVIET REPUBLICS
The three Baltic countries-Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia-yesterday decided to become Soviet Republics and to unite with Soviet Russia, according to the official German News Agency correspondents in Kaunas, Riga, and Tallinn (states Reuter). The newly elected National Assemblies of all three Baltic countries are said to have voted unanimously for this important change in their Constitutions. The following proposals are stated to have been placed before the Lithuanian Parliament:- (I) Acceptance of a new Constitution; (2) cooperation with the Soviet Union; (3) regulation of the land question; and (4) dispossession of the big banks, factories, and large enterprises. The diplomatic representatives of the Soviet Union, Germany, Italy, and Great Britain are said to have been present at this session of the Estonian Parliament, where a proposal was also adopted unanimously for the election of a Committee of Nine for the management of Estonia's political system.


The Times | July 13, 1940

OCCUPIED BALTIC STATES MOVING TOWARDS THE SOVIET SYSTEM

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT STOCKHOLM, JuLY 12 In Estonia,. Latvia, and Litlhuania this week there have been rapid developments in the direction of alignment with the Soviet system. Parliamentary elections in the three republics will take place during this weekend. Although the electoral methods are not exactly similar to those of the Soviet, they are, in important aspects, very much alike. The ballot will be secret and universal, but practically everywhere only one set of candidates will be allowed. Feeble attempts to nominate bourgeois or non- Socialist candidates have been quashed, and although the approved candidates are not all formally designated as Communists, they, in fact, are all Communists or semi-Communists. Order and relative tranquillity exist outwardly in the three States, but a considerable movement towards the Left is in progress beneath the surface. Numerous arrests continue to be made quietly in Lithuania, including those of ex-Ministers and high officials. On Wednesday M. Merkys, the former Prime Minister, reached Riga. with the intention, it is alleged, of flying to Stockholm, but he was discovered at the Riga aerodrome and arrested. Apparently the former dictator, M. Valdemaras, escaped and accepted Soviet citizenship. It is noteworthy that he -was one of the Soviet delegates representing the Ukraine over 20 years ago at the negotiation of the Brest-Litovsk Treaty with Germany, and it was only afterwards that he became identified with the new Lithuania. He is said to be now somewhere in the U.S.S.R. The Government of Lithuania have banned the teaching of religion in the schools and have already dismissed all religious teachers. The first collective farm has been sanctioned in Latvia. It does not follow exactly the Soviet model, being limited in its area to less than 500 acres and to a small number of participants. It is announced that collectiviza- tion will be on a voluntary basis-but that was the case in the U.S.S.R. M. Selter, the former Foreign Minister of Estonia, has been tried at Tallinn and condemned in, absentia. As the Estonian representative at Geneva, he was recalled a fortnight ago, but ignored the summons, and his whereabouts are at present unknown.