Speech #840121883

Orthodox. Moslem. and Jewsh people of varied races under its rule. and Whereas Lithuanias Academy at Vilnius and lesser schools in the domains under the administration of Lithuania had been the seats of Western Christian culture. whose easternmost frontier followed the pre1772 frontiers of Lithuania. and Whereas Lithuania with its decentralized administration based on general suffrage of the nobility and urban communities helped develop the traditions of selfgovernment and elective institutions in eastern Europe in the areas lying between the autocracies of Russia and Prussia. and Whereas natives of Lithuania had contributed to the development of the United StatesAlexander Carolus Curtius had been the first high school teacher in the Dutch colony of Nleuw Amsterdam (165961). Thaddeus Kosciuszko had rendered great services in the American Revolution. and masses of Lithuanian immigrants and their descendants had loyally served the United States in every generation. and Whereas Lithuania had been dismembered In 1795 between Russia and Prussia. re*gained independence during a brief period - in 1812. had risen in arms against the Russian oppression in 1831. and 186364. revolted peacefully in 1905. had suffered a total ban on aU Lithuanian printing during the 40year period 18641904. yet the spirit of freedom remained alive and on February 16. 1918. the independence of Lithuania was restored again. and Whereas Lithuania was recognized by the United States as an independent Republic in 1922. and friendly relations between the two countries were steadily maintained. and Whereas during the 22 years of Independence the Republic of Lithuania had rapidly recovered from the devastation of war and foreign occupation. progressed in all fields of state. social and cultural life. retained Institutions of democracy during the difficult period when tyrannies were established in neighboring Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. and the Republic of Lithuania faithfully performed all its treaty and international obligations as a loyal member of the League of Nations. and Whereas Lithuania was one of the first victims of the NaziSoviet conspiracy against peace and humanity. viz. the RibbentropMolotov Pacts of August and September 1939. and Lithuania was occupied by the Red Army of the Soviet Union following an ultimatum at the moment when France was falling under the Nazi onslaught. and the Soviet Union annexed Lithuania In 1940. and Whereas the Government of the United States solemnly condemned the Soviet aggression against Lithuania. Latvia. and Estonia in a statement dated July 23. 1940. and refused to recognize the annexation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union. and the Legation and Consulates of Lithuania function freely In this country. while in Lithuania itself passive resistance to the alien rule and ideology remains strong: Therefore be it Resolved. That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should never agree to a perpetuation of the injustice and should morally aid the people of Lithuania In restoring their freedom. human rights. and political independence.