New-York tribune., 1920-02-10
Y. S. Pledges
Informal Aid
To Lithluania
Recognition Deemed Unwise
for Fear of Blocking
Orderly Establishment
of Unity in Russia
Autonomy Assured, Belief
Lansing Cites Promise to
Kolchak i'm Refusing
Diplomatic Negotiations

From TAs Tribure's Washington Bursds
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.--The refusal
Of the United States government to
give provisional recognition to Lithu-
ania because of the previous decision
% the, American government to make
no move that might prejudice the in
'egrity OF the Russian government is
explained in two communications made
public to-day by Secretary Of State
Lansing. Both communications are
addressed to the Lithuanian National
Council. They are dated October Is,
1919. and January Z, 1920.
The future status of Lithuania, Sec
resary Lansing wrote, has been given
careful consideration.
at has been thought unwise and
unfair" the communication set forth,
"to prejudice in advance of the estab-
lishment of orderly, constitutional
government in Russia the principle of
Russian unity as whole"
Autonomy Assured
This governments assurance given
to Admiral Kolchak that Russia's in
texrity will not be hindered by any act
Of the United States is referred to in
the communication, which expressed
the belief that the autonomous devel
opment OF Lithuania" is assured by the
angement with Russia.
The letter Of October Is, 1919, said
In part:
"The question Of the future status
OF Lithuania has been given careful
consideration. AS you are aware, the
f~tk -.
traditionally sympathetic with the
national aspirations Of dependent peo-
Piles.
Accordingly, when the President, In
common with the heads Of the other
principal Allied and associated gov
ernments, proffered Admiral Kolchak
aid in bringing about in Russia a stu
alton conducive to the establishment
Of orderly, constitutional government,
that failing an Immediate agreement
between Lithuania and the new Rus
sian government an arrangement would
be made in consultation and coopera-
tion with the league Of nations and
that, pending such an arrangement,
Russia must agree to recognize Lithu-
ania as autonomous and to confirm the
relation; which might exist between
the local government of Lithuania and
the Allied and associated governments
*'It is believed that this arrangement
assures the autonomous development
Of Lithuania,, together with the other
nationalties comprised within the
former Russian Empire, and wisely
leaves to future adjustment the de-
termination of the relations which shall
exist between them and the new Rus.
sian government"
To Deal With Individuals
The communication of January Z
said In part:
"You are Informed that the govern
nent Of the United States not having
recognized the so-called provisional
government of Lithuania, It is not pos
any diplomatic character.
"The government OF the United
States appreciates the difficult situa-
tion in which many Lithuanians find
themselves as result of the disrup-
tion Of the Russian government and
is disposed to go to the utmost prac-
ticable limits to relieve them from its
Inconvenience In the matter of pass
ports. it has been provided that per-
sons Of Lithuanian origin may depart
from the United States on affidavits Of
identity and nationality, approved by
the State Department. in lieu Of pass
ports, when accompanied by the usual
permits of departure.
"The department is glad to deal in
formally with individuals and groups
Of individuals which are acting disin-
terestedly in behalf of the Lithuanian
people or any portion of them Your
committee. in common with other rep
resentative Lithuanian bodies, may
therefore count upon the considera-
tion Of the department in all matters
which it may have occasion to take
up with 1t within the limitations set
forth above"