Lithuania declared independence on March 11, 1990. The diplomats rejoiced the news, but were very careful not to surrender their positions to the new fragile Lithuanian government. After the August 1991 Putsch, western countries officially recognized independent Lithuania. On September 6, 1991, Bačkis sent a resignation letter to Algirdas Saudargas, Minister of Foreign Affairs. That officially ended the Lithuanian diplomatic service in exile.