In a series of cruelly cynical agreements. forced upon a defenseless people. the Soviet Union quietly resumed the mantle formerly worn by the czars: On August 3. 1940. Lithuania was made a constituent Republic of the U.S.S.R. Despite the deportation of the flower of its youth and intelligentsia. the death of more than 45.000 people. the execution of thousands of additional political prisoners during the war. and the deportation of another 265.000 Lithuanians after the war. the will and courage of this brave people remains strong. In the face of such bravery. we are forced to stand idly by and simply praise it. rather than reacting to its call. and demonstrating our own mettle in the face of adversity. When the yoke which presently binds the Lithuanians is once again discarded. it is my fervent hope that we shall be there to assist in every possible way. in order to insure that this people will be able to enjoy the fruits of a peaceful democratic society.
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deportation