Who presented the 1939 German ultimatum to Lithuania?
Nazi Germany's foreign minister Joachim von Ribbentrop presented an oral ultimatum to Juozas Urbšys, the foreign minister of Lithuania. This meeting occurred on the 20th of March 1939 in Berlin.
Questions about 1939 German ultimatum to Lithuania
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What territory did Nazi Germany demand from Lithuania in 1939?
Germany demanded that Lithuania give up the Klaipėda Region, also known as the Memel Territory. This region covered about 2,450 square kilometers and housed approximately 140,000 people before its transfer.
When was the treaty signed transferring Klaipėda to Germany?
Urbšys and Ribbentrop signed a treaty effective the 22nd of March 1939 at 1:00 a.m. on the 23rd of March 1939. German soldiers had already entered the port of Klaipėda before this signing took place.
Why did Lithuania accept the German ultimatum without resistance?
Lithuania accepted the ultimatum because no material international support existed despite sympathy from France and the United Kingdom. The Soviet Union supported Lithuania in principle but refused to disrupt relations with Germany at that point.
How did the loss of Klaipėda affect the Lithuanian economy?
Between 70% and 80% of foreign trade passed through Klaipėda before its loss. The region contained a third of Lithuania's industry while representing only about 5% of its territory.