[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H10270-H10274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING THE BALTIC PEOPLE OF ESTONIA, LATVIA, AND LITHUANIA, AND
CONDEMNING THE NAZI-SOVIET PACT OF NON-AGGRESSION
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 320) supporting the Baltic people
of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and condemning the Nazi-Soviet Pact
of Non-Aggression of August 23, 1939, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 320
Whereas on February 16, 1918, February 24, 1918, and
November 18, 1918, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, declared,
respectively, their independence and became democratic,
peace-loving states with membership in the League of Nations
and diplomatic representation in the United States;
Whereas on August 23, 1939, emissaries of Adolf Hitler and
Joseph Stalin, Nazi German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop and
Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov, signed an agreement known as
the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression which contained secret
protocols that illegally divided Eastern Europe into spheres
of influence with Estonia, Latvia, and part of Poland going
to the Soviet Union and Lithuania and Poland going to Nazi
Germany;
Whereas the Soviet Army fulfilled the Nazi-Soviet Pact of
Non-Aggression by illegally invading Lithuania on June 15,
1940, and invading both Latvia and Estonia on June 17, 1940;
Whereas this illegal and forcible occupation was never
recognized by the United States and successive United States
Administrations maintained continuous diplomatic relations
with these countries throughout the Soviet period, never once
considering them to be ``Soviet Republics'';
Whereas the Baltic peoples valiantly re-established their
independence through peaceful means and the United States
recognized their independent governments in 1991; and
Whereas Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have achieved
commendable success in the eight years since they re-
established independence, including full democracy,
significant economic reforms, and civilian control of a new
military based on Western standards: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That, in observance of the 59th anniversary of
the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression, the Congress--
(1) reaffirms the United States policy of the non-
recognition of the occupation by the Soviet Union of
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia subsequent to the Nazi-Soviet
Pact of Non-Aggression, which for the 50 years after the
signing of such Pact was a commendable bipartisan policy that
refused to legally recognize the Soviet occupation of these
countries;
(2) urges Russia, in the spirit of democracy, to renounce
the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression and its secret
supplemental protocols, as illegal;
(3) welcomes and supports the signing of the United States-
Baltic Charter by the United States, Lithuania, Latvia, and
Estonia that reiterates the strong historical kinship between
the peoples of these countries; and
(4) calls on the President and Secretary of State to work
to ensure that Russia understands that the Nazi-Soviet Pact
of Non-Aggression should be considered illegal and null and
void.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr.
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).
General Leave
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on House Concurrent Resolution 320, the measure under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution reiterates an important aspect of our
policy towards the three Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and
Estonia, namely, that our Nation has never recognized their invasion by
the military forces of the former Soviet Union and the former Nazi
Germany or their occupation and absorption by the former Soviet regime
as legal acts. This is an extremely important measure to remember as we
consider the actions of the Russian Federation in regards to the newly
independent Baltic States.
As much as we should call for fair treatment of all citizens of the
Baltic States, we should remember that the acts of Russia's predecessor
State, the Soviet Union, towards Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were
illegal. We should also bear in mind that, due to the purposeful
policies of the former Soviet regime, specifically its attempts to
Russify the Baltic States through policies of deportation of Baltic
residents of those states and settlement of ethnic Russians in those
states, the Baltic countries are today faced with the presence of large
numbers of ethnic Russian residents, many of whom appear to resent the
renewed independence of those states.
The actions of the Russian government with regard to the small Baltic
states has not been reassuring. Despite the fact that, at the urging of
the United States and the European Union, the Baltic governments have
adopted policies meant to fairly integrate ethnic Russians into their
politics and society, the Russian government in Moscow seems determined
to take advantage of any complaint voiced by ethnic Russians in the
Baltic states to renew their harsh criticism of those countries and to
claim violations of the human rights of ethnic Russians.
Recent actions threatened against the government of Latvia by the
Russian government do not give us any assurance that Russia intends to
undertake a fair and balanced approach towards the small Baltic
countries and their renewed independence. I would suggest that if the
Russian government wishes our Nation and the international community to
take more seriously its allegations of violations of
[[Page H10271]]
human rights of ethnic Russians in the Baltics, it ought to first do as
the resolution states:
Officially acknowledge that the actions of its predecessor
state towards the Baltic countries, as embodied in the
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of 1939 and exemplified by Soviet
occupation and Russification of the Baltic states, were
illegal.
In concluding, I want to note that the resolution also states
congressional support for the U.S.-Baltic Charter, signed by our
President and the Presidents of the three Baltic states in January of
this year. Although there is some concern in the Congress over the
increasing use of charters that do not require ratification, the U.S.-
Baltic Charter outlines the importance of U.S. interaction with the
Baltic states and assistance to them as they seek to integrate into the
pan-European and trans-Atlantic nations. I certainly support that
approach in our bilateral policy towards those three States.
I want to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon) for being
a staunch advocate of this measure and for taking an active role in
bringing this measure to the floor at this time. Accordingly, I support
the approval of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, again I want to commend the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of our Committee on
International Relations, for his leadership and for bringing this piece
of legislation to the floor. My commendation also to the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Solomon) for his participation and his support of this
legislation; and certainly my good friend, the gentleman from Nebraska
(Mr. Bereuter), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) for
their support.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution gives a sense of observation and
recognition of this 59th anniversary of the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-
Aggression. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. Policy of the
nonrecognition of the occupation by the Soviet Union of the free Baltic
states, mainly Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, subsequent to this
infamous non-agression pact which was done in 1939.
The resolution also urges Russia to renounce as illegal the Molotov-
Ribbentrop NonAgression Pact and its secret protocols.
{time} 1345
The resolution welcomes the signing of the U.S.-Baltic Charter in
January 1998, and it calls also on the President and the Secretary of
State to ensure that Russia understands that the Nazi-Soviet Non-
Aggression Pact should be considered illegal, null and void.
The resolution will have no impact on U.S. foreign policy, Mr.
Speaker. Rather, it is intended as an implicit warning to the Russians
to keep their hands off the Baltic states and to emphasize that these
states are no longer in the Russian sphere of influence. This
resolution may cause minor problems with our Russian friends, but so it
does call on the administration to push our Russian friends to formally
renounce the nonaggression pact as illegal, null and void.
The administration does not oppose this resolution, Mr. Speaker.
Privately it questions its need and utility, but we think it is
important.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we continue to condemn the Nazi-
Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 1939 which led directly to the illegal
incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into the Soviet Union,
an act which the United States for some 50 years refused to recognize.
Mr. Speaker, in 1918 under the League of Nations then, the countries
of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia were fully recognized as sovereign and
independent nations and these nations were duly recognized even by our
own country. But then in 1939 the nations of Germany under Adolf Hitler
and Russia under Joseph Stalin signed an agreement known as the Nazi-
Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression which basically divided these Baltic
states. Estonia and Latvia went to Poland, Poland became part of the
Soviet Union, and, of course, Lithuania became part of Germany. But in
1940 the Soviet Union invaded these three countries and occupied them
ever since then.
Mr. Speaker, ironically our country never officially recognized the
occupation of these three countries. In 1991 with the collapse of the
former Soviet Union, the Cold War was over, these Baltic states are
again duly recognized as sovereign and independent nations.
As the process of NATO enlargement unfolds next year, Mr. Speaker, it
is important that we underscore our strong commitment to the continued
independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of these
three Baltic states.
The bottom line, Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of an African proverb
that states that when two elephants fight, the grass gets trodden. It
seems that these countries, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, always get
caught when larger and more powerful nations fight.
Mr. Speaker, I submit, let us not allow this to happen again to these
three states. A couple of years ago it was my privilege to visit the
newly recognized states of Estonia and Latvia. They are good people, no
different from us here in America.
I submit, Mr. Speaker, that we have got to recognize the importance
of this resolution. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon) chairman of the Committee on
Rules.
Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time,
and I rise in the strongest possible support for the resolution. I
really do want to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) for
his initiative here and certainly the gentleman from American Samoa
(Mr. Faleomavaega), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) and my
good friend the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for their very
strong support of this legislation.
The forcible incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into the
Soviet Union in 1940 was one of the greatest tragedies of this 20th
century. Invaded by Soviet troops pursuant to a secret pact between
Hitler and Stalin, the three Baltic nations had their freedom and their
sovereignty totally obliterated for a half century, 50 years. But
Soviet jackboots could not stamp out the pride, the religious and
cultural strength, and the national identities of the Lithuanian,
Latvian and Estonian peoples. Ten American Presidents, five Democrats
and five Republicans, refused to recognize the Baltic nations as part
of the Soviet Union. Indeed our government, and I was so proud of both
political parties, helped keep open the embassies these nations had
right here in Washington, D.C. as a symbol of hope for those people.
All Americans rejoiced in 1990 when Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia
regained their independence as the Iron Curtain came tumbling down
thanks to Ronald Reagan and this Congress and others.
But we must never allow ourselves to slip into a false sense of
security. The forces of a vicious nationalism are on the rise again in
Russia today, Mr. Speaker. Senior Russian officials, including Boris
Yeltsin, insist on using ominous terms such as ``former Soviet
republics'' when they mention Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. And so
this resolution is very timely here today. By passing this resolution,
we will reaffirm the historic U.S. policy that condemned the forcible
enslavement of the Baltic nations and refuse to give it any color of
diplomatic recognition or legality. Mr. Speaker, moreover we will be
calling upon the administration to reinforce that very policy with
Russia so as to urge Moscow to renounce once and for all any claim on
the Baltics.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would just make a personal note. It is my
fervent hope that the next round of NATO expansion will include Latvia,
Lithuania and Estonia. I am sure many Members here join me in that
hope. I look forward to the day when the historic political orientation
toward the West that these nations have always had is recognized by
bringing them into NATO.
I want to commend--and this is not like Jerry Solomon--I want to
commend President Clinton for his support of the Baltics at the meeting
of NATO in Madrid that approved the acceptance of Poland, Hungary and
the Czech
[[Page H10272]]
Republic. At that meeting President Clinton accepted my language that
made it clear that regardless of size, regardless of geographic
location, regardless of political consideration, the Baltics would be
included in the open door policy of offering NATO membership to new
democracies who otherwise meet the criteria that the NATO allies have
set.
Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank all these Members, the gentleman
from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), the gentleman from New York
(Mr. Gilman) and certainly the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus)
and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for bringing this
legislation to the floor.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume. Again I want to compliment the statement and remarks of the
gentleman from New York. This is not meant to be trite or repetitious,
but again we are going to miss you, Jerry. I hope all the best for you
in your future endeavors.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
Pascrell).
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House
Concurrent Resolution 320, a measure which signals our support for the
Baltic people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and condemning the Nazi-
Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression of August 23, 1939.
In 1939, emissaries of Hitler and Stalin signed an agreement known as
the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression. This pact illegally divided
Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. One year later, the Soviet
army invaded Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in fulfillment of the Nazi-
Soviet agreement. This occupation ruthlessly suppressed the ethnic
identities of the three Baltic countries.
The illegal incorporation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania into the
Soviet Union was a unilateral act of force with no legal basis in
international law. Under Soviet occupation, there was seizing of
property, rigging of elections and mass deportations.
Mr. Speaker, during this grim time, the United States never
recognized the Baltics as part of the Soviet Union.
In 1990, the Baltics reestablished their independence and shed the
yoke of Communist domination. Since that time, each country has been
working diligently towards democratic reforms, including religious
freedom, which we have talked about so many times on this floor, and
movement toward effective free market economies, which we have talked
about so many times on this floor.
That is why this measure is necessary. We need to demonstrate our
support for the Baltic countries. They are embracing democratic values.
Not surprisingly, Lithuania this year elected a Lithuanian-born
American citizen, Valdas Adamkus, as their new President. In fact,
Lithuania will most likely be the first Baltic country to be ready for
NATO membership.
And why not? The Baltics would like to gain membership into NATO.
Russian leaders have stated recently that any territory formerly part
of the Soviet Union should still be considered under the Russian sphere
of influence, unavailable for membership in NATO.
We cannot allow Russia to dictate what NATO is about. We cannot allow
Russia to dictate what this country, the United States, is all about.
We must continue to build bridges to freedom, international freedom
throughout the world. These emerging democracies need full United
States support.
That is exactly what this measure does, Mr. Speaker. It reaffirms the
United States policy of not recognizing the illegal occupation of the
Baltics, and it reiterates our support of the United States-Baltic
Charter which was signed earlier this year.
We need to fan the fire of democracy and freedom in these countries.
Let us help the Baltic people realize their dreams and secure a
prosperous and democratic future. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes''
on this important measure. And let us continue to build bridges. Let us
continue to build bridges and not be afraid to risk the building of
those bridges.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), a former resident of my congressional district
while he attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The
gentleman from Illinois was the original author of this measure, Mr.
Speaker.
Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Gilman), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich), my
cosponsor, cochairman of the Baltic Caucus, and also those Members who
signed as cosponsors of this resolution.
The Baltic countries, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, over the
centuries have been occupied, terrorized and vilified. At the hands of
the former Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, these countries were
illegally annexed under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of World War II.
With this concurrent resolution, I hope that we may be able to provide
some security to the region by once again denouncing the illegal
annexation of the Baltics and to pledge the United States' continued
support.
Most people do not realize what happened in Lithuania, Latvia and
Estonia during World War II. During their occupation, there was the
rigging of elections, seizing of bank accounts, censoring of the press,
and suppression of religious worship. Additionally, many law-abiding
citizens, including teachers and police officials, were imprisoned,
sent to labor camps or executed. This was all part of a systematic
campaign to transform the Baltic way of life into Russian.
However, this illegal annexation had no basis in international law.
In fact, during the Soviet occupation of eastern and central Europe,
the U.S. Congress continued to pass resolutions asking Americans across
the country to join in recognizing the fundamental freedom and
independence of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Even after all the hardships, the Baltic people valiantly
reestablished their independence through peaceful means. In 1991, the
United States recognized their independent governments. But the
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact continues to haunt these free countries.
Recently, Russian leaders have stated on the record that all territory
formerly designated part of the Soviet Union should be considered part
of an exclusive Russian sphere of influence, untouchable by NATO or
anyone else. The United States, and more specifically this body, must
demonstrate that we support the Baltics and do not condone Russia's
actions. We can do this by approving this concurrent resolution.
House Concurrent Resolution 320 simply supports the Baltics.
Specifically, it reaffirms the United States policy of not recognizing
the occupation of the Baltics; urges Russia to renounce the Molotov-
Ribbentrop Pact in the spirit of democracy; welcomes the signing of the
U.S.-Baltic Charter last winter; and calls on the President and the
Secretary of State to work to ensure that Russia understands that the
pact should be considered illegal, null and void.
I would encourage all my colleagues to vote in favor of this
resolution so that we may continue to support the emerging democracies
of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
{time} 1400
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman
from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich), who has a considerable number of his
constituency from Latvia.
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, as the cochair of the Baltic Caucus, a
position which I proudly serve with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Shimkus), I am here today to speak about Resolution 320. I had the
privilege of being present with Mr. Shimkus and others at the signing
of the U.S.-Baltic agreement which took place last winter at the White
House, to meet with the Presidents of those countries and to share with
them our concern that this fledgling freedom which all were feeling
would have a chance to be able to grow and to prosper.
This resolution is an important part of it. The resolution's purpose
is to express the sense of Congress that we support the Baltic people
of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and that we condemn the Nazi-Soviet
Pact of Non-Aggression of August 23, 1939. This pact of non-aggression,
otherwise known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was a pivotal time in
Baltic history. Part of this treaty that was not published at this time
stated, and I quote from it, Mr. Speaker:
[[Page H10273]]
In the event of a territorial and political rearrangement
in the areas belonging to the Baltic States: Finland,
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the northern boundary of
Lithuania shall represent the boundary of the spheres of
influence of Germany and the USSR.
This pact, in effect, resulted in the annexation of the Baltic States
by the USSR.
In 1940 the Soviet Army illegally invaded Lithuania, Latvia and
Estonia. It is no wonder then that the Baltic Republics played a vital
role in dismantling the Soviet Union. Opposition groups in all three
Baltic States became popular movements calling for national
independence. These popular movements culminated with the Baltic Way
demonstration on August 23, 1989, exactly 50 years after the Molotov-
Ribbentrop Pact was signed. Nearly 2 million people formed a human
chain stretching from Tallinn through Riga to Vilnius to protest the
illegal pact and to question the legitimacy of the Soviet role.
In August 1991, all three of the Baltic States declared their full
independence following the official recognition of the independence of
all three Baltic States by many Western countries. Moscow decided to
acknowledge their sovereignty on September 4, 1991. Within 3 months the
Soviet Union would no longer exist.
Recently, Russian leaders have stated that any territory formerly
part of the Soviet sphere should still be considered under the Russian
sphere of influence. This resolution, if passed by the United States
Congress, would send a clear signal to Russian leaders that they should
renounce the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and relinquish its grip on nations
that never agreed to be part of the Soviet Union and certainly do not
consider themselves to be part of the Russian sphere of influence.
I ask my colleagues to vote for this important Baltic resolution to
support the people of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and to support
their quest for the growth of freedom and to support the continuation
of democracy all around the world.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the distinguished chairman of our Subcommittee
on Asia and the Pacific.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for
yielding me this time.
I rise in strong support of this resolution, the resolution
supporting the Baltic people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in
condemning the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression of August 23, 1939.
This resolution was, of course, introduced by the distinguished
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) and the distinguished gentleman
from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich) on August 5 of this year, referred to the
Committee on International Relations.
The people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have a new active leader
and friend in the U.S. Congress in the gentleman from Illinois and the
gentleman from Ohio, and I commend the gentleman from Illinois, for
example, in his efforts to craft a strong bipartisan statement of
support for these nations. I am pleased to join as a cosponsor.
Mr. Speaker, in 1991, after more than 50 years of Soviet occupation,
the nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, acting peacefully, but
with great courage, regained their freedom. In doing so they at last
put an end to the illegal and forcible subjugation they had suffered as
a result of the infamous Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression of 1939.
It is highly appropriate that this body remember that shameful
occasion of the 59th anniversary of the Molotov- Ribbentrop Pact by
reaffirming our principle bipartisan rejection of that evil agreement
and by calling on others to join in condemning it and all it
represents.
During the bitter years of occupation, as the gentleman from New York
mentioned, the United States' administrations and congressional leaders
of both parties consistently rejected the incorporation of the Baltic
States into the Soviet Union and maintained diplomatic relations with
their legitimate representatives. When at long last their freedom was
restored, the United States joyfully welcomed those three countries
back into the community of independent nations and sought to assist
them in overcoming the legacy of Soviet domination.
Playing a key role in this effort were the many citizens who traced
their origins back to the Baltic countries. While enriching our Nation
with their cultural heritage, they never lost hope that their mother
countries would regain the freedom that is their birthright.
Finally, I join in expressing strong support for the landmark U.S.-
Baltic Charter signed in January of this year. The charter both defines
and describes our bonds of kinship and friendship with all three
nations.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that through their efforts, both
individually and together, these three nations will continue to make
progress in overcoming the lost years of occupation and returning to
their rightful place among the free peoples of the world.
Lastly, I would like to note the very direct link between Latvia and
Lincoln, Nebraska. Karlis Ulmanis, Father of Latvian independence and
the long-serving Latvian President between World War I and World War
II, was a graduate of the University of Nebraska School of Dairy
Science. He returned to his homeland after World War I, led his country
to independence, and was eventually brutally seized in prison by the
occupying Soviets and disappeared in Siberian captivity. Next year his
grandnephew, Guntis Ulmanis, the current and very popular President of
Latvia, will receive an honorary degree from the University of Nebraska
Lincoln. Thus, Mr. Speaker, we complete the circle.
The Latvian-American community in Lincoln are proud of the role of
their adopted son, the first President of Latvia and his grandnephew,
the current President of Latvia, who will be welcomed to Lincoln soon.
The Lithuania-American and Estonian-American citizens of our State are
also, of course, very supportive of this resolution supporting the
Baltic people and recognizing their long-term suffering under the
Soviets.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H. Con. Res. 320.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Rohrabacher), a member of our committee.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I join with my friends today from
Illinois and Ohio in supporting the freedom of the Baltic peoples and
in memorializing the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is an historic reminder that the forces
of evil and tyranny are inevitably attracted to one another. In a world
of nazism and communism six decades ago, some unfortunate people in the
West, unfortunate because of their wishful thinking, thought that they
could play one evil off against another and thus did not just simply
state to the world and join in solidarity with the other free people
against evil itself. It did not work, and this compromise with evil,
trying to play the Nazis off against the Communists and the Communists
against the Nazis, led to a world conflagration that destroyed much of
the planet and took up to 100 million lives, and, of course, what we
saw ending that wishful thinking was an alliance between the Communists
and the Nazis. Today we remember the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and
declare there is no compromise with evil and tyranny. Consistent with
that we focus on the Baltic nations.
I recently traveled through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The people
there for the most part are successful in their transition out of
Communist tyranny. They are showing their Russian neighbors that
democracy, free enterprise and the aspects of our Western society work,
and the people of the Baltic States now enjoy prosperity, peace and
freedom.
The passage of this resolution restates to the world America's
commitment to peace, prosperity and democracy for all of the people of
the world, especially those brave souls in the Baltics who have
suffered so much during the 20th century from the twin evils of
communism and nazism.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
My apologies to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) for not
recognizing his tremendous contributions as the prime sponsor of this
piece of legislation.
[[Page H10274]]
Mr. Speaker, I said earlier that according to an African proverb,
when two elephants fight, the grass gets trodden. A little twist to
this African proverb by a remark made years ago by the former Prime
Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, the Honorable Tuiatua Tupua
Tamasese, who also said that when two elephants make love, the grass
still gets trodden.
Mr. Speaker, what is obviously meant by this is that let us not
forget the economic and social needs of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
when the United States intends to conduct major trade and business
transactions with Europe and Asia.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res.
320. I would like to thank the esteemed Chairman of the House
International Relations Committee, the gentleman from New York, Mr.
Gilman, and the Ranking Member, the gentleman from Indiana, Mr.
Hamilton, for their leadership on this issue. I would also like to
salute the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Shimkus, for all of the hard
work he has put in in drafting this important resolution. His
leadership along with his foresight and keen awareness of foreign
policy has been instrumental in making this resolution become reality.
As the co-chair of the Congressional Baltic Caucus, along with the
other co-chair, the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Kucinich, his ability to
work in a bipartisan fashion for important measures such as this are
certainly appreciated by this Member.
Around sixty years ago, the three nations of Latvia, Lithuania and
Estonia had their freedom stripped away by the Soviet army. Under a
secret, illegal and immoral agreement between Hitler and Stalin, the
Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression tore Eastern Europe apart. After the
Soviet Union invaded Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in 1940, the
cultural identities of those nations were ruthlessly suppressed. These
invasions and occupations were not only illegal under international
law, they were immoral and atrocious crimes against humanity.
Thanks to the heroic efforts of Ronald Reagan, the fall of communism
during his watch eventually freed the Baltic States from communist
tyranny. Since their independence in 1990, each nation has been working
diligently towards democratic reforms including religious freedom and
movement towards free market economies. The brave efforts of the Baltic
States must be supported by the U.S.
H. Con. Res. 320 will do just that. It sends a message to the world
that we support the Baltic States. Since their independence, Russia
continues to refer to the Baltic States as former Soviet Republics
despite the fact that they were illegally invaded by the former Soviet
Union, and it appears that Russia continues to view the Baltic States
as part of the Russian ``sphere of influence.'' We must demonstrate our
support for the Baltics. These are fledgling democracies who peacefully
overturned the tyrannical rule of communist aggression.
This important resolution will reaffirm the U.S. policy of not
recognizing the illegal occupation of the Baltics, urge Russia to
renounce the illegal Nazi-Soviet Pact, reiterate our support for the
U.S.-Baltic Charter signed earlier this year, and call on the President
of the United States and the Secretary of State to work to ensure that
Russia understands the Pact should be considered illegal.
I ask my colleagues to support this important resolution. Let us
support freedom, let us support peace, let us support democracy, and
let us support the pursuit of justice.
Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 320,
legislation supporting the Baltic People and condemning the Nazi-Soviet
Non-Aggression Pact.
Prior to the cold war Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia proudly declared
their independence and became democratic states with membership in the
League of Nations. But, during the cold war Germany and Russia decided
to split the Baltic States into two parts by forcing Estonia, Latvia,
and a portion of Poland to become part of the Soviet Union and by
forcing Lithuania and the rest of Poland to become part of Nazi
Germany. I have never recognized the legitimacy of such a decision and
I am proud to say that the United States has taken the same point of
view. Additionally, I must add that the illegal incorporation of
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania into the Soviet Union does not have and
will never have a legal basis in international law.
In 1990, when the Baltic States re-established their independence,
the United States along with many other countries boldly recognized
their independence. Many of the Baltic States have successfully made
the transition from an authoritarian political system to that of a
democratic system. It is interesting to note that in light of all these
political changes Russia continues to recognize the Nazi-Soviet Pact of
Non-Aggression. This pact illegally divides the Baltic States into
``spheres of influence'', therefore, precluding the Baltic States from
asserting their autonomy and joining NATO or entering into other such
alliances.
As faith would have it, Russia itself has undergone tremendous
democratic and free market reforms but has yet to recognize the
independence of the Baltic States. It is only fitting and just that
Russia denounce the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression and recognize
the autonomy of the Baltic States and demonstrate to the world that it
truly believes in the principles of democracy and individual freedom.
I strongly urge President Clinton and Secretary of State Albright to
work with the Russian government to ensure that Russia understands the
importance of denouncing the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression and
endorsing the right to self determination by the Baltic States.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill to support
the Baltic people and to condemn the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. I
want to express my appreciation to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr.
Shimkus] for his leadership on this issue and in organizing the
Congressional Caucus on the Baltics.
In 1918, the nations of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia declared their
independence and became democratic states with membership in the League
of Nations and diplomatic representation in the United States.
In 1939, emissaries of Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin signed an
agreement, known as the Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression, which
contained secret protocols to divide Eastern Europe into spheres of
influence. Estonia, Latvia and part of Poland were made subject to the
Soviet Union, with Lithuania and most of Poland going to Nazi Germany.
In 1940, the Soviet Army invaded Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This
occupation has never been recognized by the United States, and all
successive U.S. administrations, whether Democratic or Republican,
maintained continuous diplomatic relations with these countries as
sovereign nations throughout the Soviet period, never considering them
to be Soviet Republics.
The Baltic peoples re-established their independence through peaceful
means following the dissolution of the former Soviet Union, and the
United States recognized their independent governments in 1991.
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have achieved significant success in the
eight years since they gained their independence, including instituting
democratic institutions, economic reforms, and civilian control over
the military.
Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 320, introduced by my distinguished
colleague from Illinois [Mr. Shimkus], and to which I am a proud
cosponsor, reaffirms the U.S. policy of not recognizing the occupation
by the Soviet Union of these proud nations following the signing of the
Nazi-Soviet Pact of Non-Aggression. Further, it urges the now
independent nation of Russia, in the spirit of democracy, to renounce
the Nazi-Soviet Pact and its secret protocols as illegal. Finally, the
measure welcomes and supports the signing of the United States-Baltic
Charter by the U.S., Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia--a charter that
reiterates the strong historical kinship and support between the Baltic
peoples and Americans.
Mr. Speaker, for all the progress, both democratic and economic,
these three Baltic nations have made since regaining their independence
in 1991, they continue to face many challenges and uncertain
relationships with their powerful neighbors. Russia continues to be a
threatening and intimidating force, which still views the Baltic
nations as subject to its ``sphere of influence.''
H. Con. Res. 320 clearly signals U.S. support for these nations, for
their independence, and for their democratic futures. I urge my
colleagues to vote in support of this measure.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 320, as amended.
The question was taken.
Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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