Švedijos požiūris į Baltijos sąjungos kūrimą 1918-1926 m

Abstract

The present artiele discusses the position and attitude of Sweden regarding the changing projects of the Baltic Entente from the end of the World War I to 1926 and also the circumstances triggering such position and attitude. Projects of the Baltic Entente as a confederate formation of the Nordic and Baltic countries appeared at the close of the World War I. They were supported by Great Britain and to some extent by Germany, though for different political considerations. Although Sweden favoured independence of the newly established Baltic States, it categorically refused to join such confederate formation. The Baltic Entente in Sweden was perceived as a guarantee of independence of the Baltic States, which could not be provided by Sweden and other Scandinavian countries alone, therefore, they could not even participate in creation of the Baltic Entente, even more so to enter it. Unwilling to make a decisioti to be on the side of any Great Powers, Sweden had no other options but passive politics. In 1919-1920 Sweden also disapproved prospects of closer political and particularly military cooperation with the Baltic States. The launched conferences of the Baltic States in Sweden were primarily regarded as efforts to establish an anti-Russian bloc and in that case involvement of Sweden seemed dangerous.On 17 March 1922 in Warsaw a political treaty was concluded among Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. The treaty in question was a short way off a military union. Although based on different motivation Sweden and Lithuania shaped a common objective to withdraw Finland from a union with Poland. Swedish diplomats considered that the only chance for Finland to retain its independence was to keep away from any anti-Russian blocs. To some extent Sweden attempted to isolate Finland both from the Great Powers and the Baltic States.[...]