The 1940 Welles Declaration – Further Reflections on its Authors and its Lasting Impacts

This past July we observed the 80th anniversary of the “Welles Declaration”. This declaration promulgated by the USA on July 23, 1940 condemned the Soviet Union’s militaristic occupation and Kremlin backed coups in the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Welles Declaration and the actions of several advocates of democracy and international justice served as an undercurrent of continued support and hope for the cause of self-determination for the Baltic nations for over 50 years of Soviet control and repression. The principles, then proclaimed by the Welles Declaration, continue to have significance today and represent an ongoing set of governing values relevant to international justice.