Logo
The German Foreign Office to the Reich Foreign Minister; June 16, 1940
Previous Document Nazi-Soviet Relations Page Next Document

Frames 214876-214877, serial 407

Teletype

No. . .
BERLIN, June 16, 1940.

To Baumschule (1) for Sonnleitner.

With reference to the despatches from Kaunas No. 96 and No. 97 of June 15 (2) forwarded by teletype.

The Lithuanian Minister called up at about 2 a. m. today and said that, in accordance with a telephone report from Eydtkuhnen, President Smetona, accompanied by an adjutant and members of his family, as well as General Rastaikis (who was rejected by the Soviets as Prime Minister) and his brother, Colonel Rastaikis, with their wives, had arrived in Eydtkuhnen. The Minister, moreover, reported that a number of other prominent Lithuanian personalities were probably staying at the German-Lithuanian border and that they desired to enter Germany. Some of them would be in danger, should they fall into the hands of the Russians. The Minister requested that the German border authorities be instructed to let these personalities enter Germany. The official on [night] duty replied that he could not initiate anything independently in this matter and suggested making the request again in the morning.

By order of Under State Secretary Woermann I request instructions as to how to treat the application of the Lithuanian Minister. The question arises in particular whether former Interior Minister Skucas and the former director of the State Security Department, Powelaitis, who were to be tried in accordance with point 1 of the Soviet ultimatum, can be allowed to enter. Powelaitis, regarding whom inquiry has already been made there by teletype, has loyally cooperated with German authorities in fighting Polish intrigues.

Division for Political Affairs, Night Duty Officer

WELCK

(1) Code name for the field office of the Reich Foreign Minister. Back

(2) Neither printed. Back

Previous Document Nazi-Soviet Relations Page Next Document