Speech #850014331

Md.. held on the 16th day of February 1957. at Lithuanian Hall. the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Whereas during the past year Soviet leaders in the Kremlin have had serious disagreements among themselves as to the methods. doctrines. and accomplishments of their former idol. Joseph Stalin. and "Whereas unrest and uprisings in Russian satellite nations have demonstrated that the yearning for freedom still burns strongly in the hearts of the people of subjugated countries existing behind the Iron Curtain. and "Whereas in particular the spontaneous October rebellion in Budapest. Hungary. against Kremlin rule certainly indicates that Soviet imperialism is in trouble. and "Whereas many thousands of Hungarian refugees. leaving behind their martyred companions. escaped from their homeland rather than submit to Soviet tyranny and found haven in the United States of America. and "Whereas the spirit displayed by the Hungarian people in their fight for freedom from Soviet rule is a shining example to the subjugated people of Lithuania and their Baltic neighbors. Latvia and Estonia. and "Whereas the Hungarian cause of independence is essentially the same as and synonymous with the Lithuanian cause. and "Whereas the signs of disintegration of the Soviet regime hold out a new ray of hope to people everywhere to strive unceasingly until liberty and freedom are again achieved: Now. therefore. be it "Resolved. That the leaders of our country be urged to continue to maintain the fight for peace. justice. protection. and freedom for all people. and be it finally "Resolved. Thatany new immigration laws to be enacted by Congress take into consideration that loyal Lithuanians are just as desirous of finding freedom and refuge in the United States of America as the patriotic Hungarians." In Lithuania the bright flame of freedom which lighted that nation with such promise and progress has been darkened by the bitter night of communistic tyranny. Thirtynine years ago. Lithuania stood forth as an independent. democratic republic with a happy. prosperous people who faced the future with confidence in their destiny.