Stasys Lozoraitis facts for kids
See Stasys Lozoraitis (junior) for information about his son.
Quick facts for kids
Stasys Lozoraitis
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| Foreign Minister of Lithuania | |
| In office 12 June 1934 – 5 December 1938 |
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| President | Antanas Smetona |
| Prime Minister | Juozas Tūbelis Vladas Mironas |
| Preceded by | Dovas Zaunius |
| Succeeded by | Juozas Urbšys |
| Head of the Lithuanian Diplomatic Service | |
| In office 15 June 1940 – 24 December 1983 |
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| Preceded by | position established |
| Succeeded by | Stasys Bačkis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 September 1898 Kaunas, Russian Empire |
| Died | 24 December 1983 Rome, Italy |
| Political party | Independent |
| Children | Stasys Lozoraitis (junior) |
| Alma mater | University of Berlin |
| Occupation | Diplomat |
Stasys Lozoraitis (born September 5, 1898 – died December 24, 1983) was an important Lithuanian diplomat and politician. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. A politician helps lead their country. Stasys Lozoraitis was the Foreign Minister of Lithuania from 1934 to 1938. This means he was in charge of Lithuania's relationships with other countries.
After Lithuania lost its independence in June 1940, Mr. Lozoraitis led the Lithuanian diplomatic service. This service was made up of Lithuanian representatives who were still working abroad. Most Western countries did not agree with the Soviet occupation. They continued to recognize the official representatives of independent Lithuania. This helped keep the idea of an independent Lithuania alive, even when the country was occupied.
Early Life and Education
Stasys Lozoraitis was the son of Motiejus Lozoraitis. His father was a lawyer and an activist who worked for the Lithuanian National Revival. This was a time when Lithuanians worked to bring back their language and culture. His father also wrote for a newspaper called Varpas.
In 1923, Stasys Lozoraitis began his career as a diplomat. He was sent to work at the Lithuanian office in Berlin, Germany. While he was in Germany, he also studied international law at the University of Berlin. International law is a set of rules that countries agree to follow when dealing with each other.
Diplomatic Career and Foreign Minister
In 1929, Mr. Lozoraitis moved to Rome, Italy. By 1931, he became a chargé d'affaires. This is a diplomat who takes charge of an embassy when the main ambassador is away.
In 1932, he returned to Lithuania. He worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In June 1934, he became the Foreign Minister. As Foreign Minister, he worked to create the Baltic Entente. This was an agreement between Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to work together. He also tried to improve relations with Poland. Lithuania and Poland had not had diplomatic relations since 1920, after an event called Żeligowski's Mutiny.
Mr. Lozoraitis resigned from his position in 1938. This happened after Poland gave Lithuania an ultimatum. An ultimatum is a final demand. Poland demanded that Lithuania restart diplomatic relations.
Leading the Diplomatic Service
In February 1939, Stasys Lozoraitis was appointed as a minister plenipotentiary to Italy. This meant he was a top diplomat representing Lithuania in Italy.
After the Soviet Union occupied Lithuania in June 1940, Mr. Lozoraitis took on a new role. He became the leader of all Lithuanian diplomatic representatives who were still working outside of Lithuania. He was seen as the highest official of independent Lithuania, even though the country was occupied.
From his home in Rome, he continued to represent Lithuania. He spoke out against the Soviet occupation. He also worked to make people around the world aware of Lithuania's situation. Stasys Lozoraitis led the Lithuanian diplomatic service until he passed away on December 24, 1983. After his death, Stasys Bačkis took over his important role.
