Documentary Evidence on Latvia’s Destiny: Changes in the Country’s International Situation and the Main Lines of Activity of Latvian Foreign Service (1939–1945)

This article presents the main directions and features of foreign service of the Republic of Latvia together with an analysis of its operation during World War II (1939–1945) when Latvia was occupied, and its independence de facto destroyed, but the Republic of Latvia continued to exist de iure. The international context of developments regarding Latvia as a sovereign state is examined briefly. Between 1940 and 1991, the foreign service of Latvia was the only institution of the Latvian State which, to a limited extent, continued to carry out the foreign policy functions of the Republic of Latvia.