Though the Lithuanian people have not known freedom for 18 years. their claim to independence has never been broken by the long interval of Russian oppression. The United States has never accorded diplomatic acknowledgment to the Russian annexation of this Baltic State. Through the Voice of America and our refugee programs. we have continued to recognize the distinctive national heritage and existence of Lithuania. Long as have been the years of Lithuanian submergence. we cannot slacken in our determination that the national and cultural ideals of Lithuania be reinforced by a political restoration. On February 16. 1918. more than one century of Russian domination came to an end.