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Aleksander Warma
Warma ja rouva.jpg
Aleksander Warma (left) with his wife in the 1950s or the early 1960s.
Prime Minister in duties of the President
In office
March 29, 1963 – December 23, 1970
Preceded by August Rei
Succeeded by Tõnis Kint
Acting Prime Minister of Estonian Exile Government
In office
1962–1963
Minister of foreign Affairs of Estonian Exile Government
In office
1953–1962
Minister of Justice (acting) of Estonian Exile Government
In office
1953–1962
Personal details
Born June 22, 1890
Viinistu, Governorate of Estonia, Russian Empire
Died December 23, 1970 (1970-12-24) (aged 80)
Stockholm, Sweden
Spouses 1918–1927 Anni Pulk, since 1931 Marta Alep
Alma mater Tallinn Teachers' Seminar
University of Tartu

Aleksander Warma was an important Estonian leader. He was a navy officer, a diplomat, and even a painter! He lived from 1890 to 1970. He played a big role in Estonia's history, especially when the country was facing difficult times.

Early Life and Education

Aleksander Warma was born on June 22, 1890. He grew up in Viinistu, which was part of the Russian Empire at the time. He started his education at marine schools in Käsmu and Narva. He even passed an exam to become a deep sea captain in Riga.

In 1920, he completed his high school exams. Later, he went to the University of Tartu to study law. He earned a law degree in 1924 and a Master of Law degree in 1928. He was also part of the Estonian Students' Society.

Military Service

Aleksander Warma was a brave navy officer. During World War I, he served in the Russian Baltic Fleet. When Estonia fought for its freedom in the Estonian War of Independence, he joined the Estonian Navy.

He became the chief of staff for the navy from 1919 to 1920. After the war, he commanded a navy ship called the Mardus. In 1926, he retired from the navy as a lieutenant commander. This rank is similar to a major in the army.

Diplomatic Career

After his military service, Warma began a career in diplomacy. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations.

Early Diplomatic Roles

From 1926 to 1927, he was the Director of the legal office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then, he became the Director of the Administrative Department of Foreign Affairs from 1927 to 1931.

Representing Estonia Abroad

Aleksander Warma served Estonia in many countries:

  • From 1931 to 1933, he was a counselor at the Estonian Embassy in Moscow.
  • From 1933 to 1938, he was the Consul-General in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). A Consul-General helps citizens from their home country who are living or traveling abroad.
  • From 1938 to 1939, he was the Estonian Envoy to Lithuania. An envoy is a diplomat who represents their country.
  • From 1939 to 1944, he was the Estonian Envoy to Finland.

Estonian Government in Exile

During World War II, Estonia was occupied by other countries. To keep Estonia's independence alive, an Estonian Government in Exile was formed. This government worked from outside Estonia.

Warma played a very important role in this government:

  • From 1953 to 1962, he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also acted as the Minister of Justice.
  • From 1962 to 1963, he was the Acting Prime Minister. He also continued as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
  • From March 29, 1963, until his death on December 23, 1970, he served as the Prime Minister in duties of the President of the Republic of Estonia. This was a very high position in the exile government.

From 1964, he also represented Estonia as a diplomat in Paris, France. He worked hard to keep the idea of a free Estonia alive during difficult times.

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