Karl Selter facts for kids

Karl Selter with Joachim von Ribbentrop when the German-Estonian Non-Aggression Pact was signed in 1939.

Karl Selter (born 24 June 1898 in Koeru, Estonia – died 31 January 1958 in Geneva, Switzerland) was an important Estonian politician. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

He was the Minister of Economic Affairs from 1933 to 1938. After that, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1938 to 1939.

A Difficult Treaty for Estonia

Karl Selter is most remembered for signing a special agreement with the Soviet Union in September 1939. This agreement was called a non-aggression and mutual assistance treaty. It was a very sad and difficult moment for Estonia.

This treaty came after a strong demand from the Soviet Foreign Minister, Vyacheslav Molotov. On September 24, Molotov told Selter that Estonia had become independent when the Soviet Union was weak. He said that the Soviet Union was now a powerful country. It needed to protect its interests. Molotov explained that the Soviet Union needed to expand its security system. For this, it needed access to the Baltic Sea. He warned Selter not to force them to use military power against Estonia.

The treaty, signed under this pressure, allowed the Soviet army to build military bases in Estonia. This greatly reduced Estonia's independence. Later, between June and August 1940, Estonia officially became part of the Soviet Union.

Life After Politics

Karl Selter left Estonia in November 1939. He resigned from his role as Foreign Minister and as a member of Parliament. He moved to Geneva, Switzerland, to work as a diplomat.

During World War II, Germany took control of Estonia from 1941 to 1944. After that, Estonia became part of the Soviet Union again in 1944. Karl Selter remained in Switzerland. He continued his work as a diplomat and politician, but from outside his home country.