| Abstract [eng] |
Lithuanian and Polish relations were strained and difficult in the interwar period, as well as by many of the neighboring European countries. Of course, they were special in their own way and unique. The uniqueness of these relations was seen from the fact, that the constitutional capital of Lithuania de facto belonged to Poland during almost the whole period of independence of Lithuania. Suvalkai treaty, which was signed in 1920-10-07, solved the disagreements of Vilnius region only for a short period of time. However, illegal actions of the units led by Liucijano Zeligowzki renewed the conflict even before Suvalkai treaty came into effect. Diplomatic relations of these states and their worsening and improvement are best reflected by the authorities documents. The break of above-mentioned Suvalkai treaty shows the suspention of official relations of Lithuania and Poland and the renewal of these relations may be illustrated by the Polish ultimatum to Lithuania in 1938. However, even without direct official diplomats cooperation, relations between Polish and Lithuanian were not completely broken . They continued in secret diplomacy and international organizations activities (United Nations). The diplomatic struggle for the Vilnius region territorial affiliation took almost all period of First Lithuania Republic of Lithuania and the major European countries had been included in this fight (in one way or another). Influence of Soviet Russia (later Soviet Union) to Lithuania-Poland relations should be distinguished from this geopolitical game of countries interests. Two signed treaties of Soviets and Lithuania (The Peace treaty in 1920 and The Non-Aggression treaty in 1926) left a significant footprint in lithuanians and poles history and historiography. By both treaties Soviets recognized Vilnius region as part of Lithuania. After 1990 the historians from post-Soviet countries got an opportunity to avoid marxist ideology and more objectively evaluate their research subjects. Many Polish - Lithuanian relation studies have been written in Lithuanian and Polish historiography during these more than two decades. On these studies historians referenced newly published documents and changed historical stereotypes, which were formed during soviet period. Famous lithuanian historian A. Kasparavičius apty described this course of historiography as \"revisionist\". The equivalent of A. Kasparavičius in Polish history may be Krzysztof Buchowski. |
