[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12391]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


       IN HONOR OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WELLES DECLARATION

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                          HON. GEORGE HOLDING

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 2015

  Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary 
of the Welles Declaration.
  Issued on July 23, 1940, by United States Under Secretary of State 
Sumner Welles, this declaration condemned the Soviet Union's aggression 
against, and annexation of, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
  This strong statement was the first announcement of the historic 
policy of non-recognition that was pivotal to empowering the resistance 
by democratic movements behind the Iron Curtain.
  Until the restoration of their independence, the United States 
maintained strong support for the freedom of these Baltic States and 
their people.
  Mr. Speaker, at this particular moment in history, I believe this 
anniversary holds even more significance.
  History has a way of repeating itself Mr. Speaker, and as we see 
aggressive military campaigns seeking to illegally gain dominance over 
nations' sovereign territory, we must have the same courage of our 
predecessors to stand against tyranny and support those who yearn for 
democracy, freedom, and independence.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to remember the role our nation had 75 years 
ago supporting Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in their aspirations for 
freedom, and commend those nations today for their commitment to 
democratic governance, their contributions to NATO, and the critical 
role they each play in promoting democratic ideals worldwide.

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