Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty

The Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Riga, was signed on 11 August 1920 by representatives of the Republic of Latvia and Soviet Russia. It officially ended the Latvian War of Independence.

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In Article II of the treaty, Soviet Russia recognised the independence of Latvia as inviolable "for all future time".[1]

Timeline
  • November 11, 1918: The end of World War I
  • November 18, 1918: Republic of Latvia is proclaimed
  • December 1, 1918: The Red Army invades Latvia
  • December 17, 1918: The Latvian Socialist Soviet Republic is formed
  • January 13, 1920: Government of the Latvian Socialist Soviet Republic resigns
  • February 1, 1920: A ceasefire between Russia and Latvia is signed
  • August 11, 1920: The Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty is signed
  • October 4, 1920: Ratifications are exchanged in Moscow and the treaty goes into effect.

Background

After World War I, Soviet Russia wanted to regain Latvia, since it had once been a part of the Russian Empire.[2] The Red Army invaded Latvia in 1918 after the Latvian prime minister, Karlis Ulmanis, declared its independence. The Red Army was able to capture the capital, Riga, and a Soviet Government replaced Ulmanis. Germany sent troops to help Latvia oust the Bolshevik troops, but after this was accomplished the Germans refused to leave, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. After the Estonian Army 3rd Division expelled the German troops, the Soviet troops once again advanced onto Riga. These troops were pushed out of Latvia by early 1920. A Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty then formally ended Latvia's War for Independence.

Provisions of the treaty

The treaty had twenty-three articles and dealt with the sovereignty of the state of Latvia. The first article stated that "The state of war existing between the Parties shall be ended as of the effective date of this Peace Treaty."[3] Article 2 declared the independence and sovereignty of Latvia and Article 3 set the borders of the State of Latvia, while also creating deadlines by which foreign troops should leave. Articles 4-6 dealt with military affairs and war damage, Article 7 with provisions for the return of prisoners of war, should they desire to return. Articles 8 through 9 concerned citizenship, repatriation of refugees, and property claims. Adults aged 18 or older were free to choose either Latvian or Russian citizenship, the default being that individuals were citizens of the state in which they resided at the time the treaty was signed. Articles 11 through 16 dealt with reparations Russia was to make to the Latvian state and its citizens. Articles 17 and 18 dealt with commercial, transit, postal and navigation arrangements and Article 19 with diplomatic relations. Article 20 address nationality issues and Article 21 established a commission to handle issues of mutual interest. Articles 22 and 23 deal with treaty technicalities such as language and ratification.

Effects of the treaty

While the treaty included provisions for reparations, Latvia had no practical recourse for recovering its industrial infrastructure, much of which had been taken to Russia. Agriculture and the requisite land reform became the focus for economic development in the new state.[4]

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See also

References
  1. "Peace Treaty between Latvia and Russia". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. Retrieved 2008-05-04.
  2. Kohn, George Childs. “Treaty of Riga (1920).” Dictionary of Historic Documents. Revised ed. Modern World History Online. Web. 27 Jan. 2010.<http://www.fofweb.com/‌NuHistory/‌default.asp?ItemID=WE53&NewItemID=True >.
  3. “Peace Treaty between Latvia and Russia.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2010.<http://www.worldlii.org/int/other/LNTSer/1920/63.html>.
  4. Latvian Institute Website. Latvian Institute, n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2010.<http://www.li.lv/>.

Bibliography
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