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Today in History: U.S. Rejects Soviet Union's Baltic Annexation Claim

7/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 23, 1940, U.S. Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles issued the Welles Declaration, condemning the Soviet Union's occupation and annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This statement reaffirmed the U.S. stance against recognizing territorial changes achieved by force, aligning with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's foreign policy principles.

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Story summary

On July 23, 1940, U.S. Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles issued the Welles Declaration, condemning the Soviet Union's occupation and annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This statement reaffirmed the U.S. stance against recognizing territorial changes achieved by force, aligning with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's foreign policy principles.