The Activities of Lithuanian Consul Karolis Račkauskas - Vairas in South Africa (1930–1932)

Abstract

The article presents the activities of Karolis Račkauskas-Vairas (1882–1970), a public figure, writer, translator, and diplomat, during his service in the diplomatic corps from 1930 to 1932 as a consul in the newly established Lithuanian consulate in the Union of South Africa. Based on archival materials, periodicals, and historiography, the study highlights the main activities of the Lithuanian diplomat. The article discusses key areas of his work, including maintaining connections and providing assistance to Lithuanian emigrants, fostering trade relations, promoting information about Lithuania, and preparing reports for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The reports prepared by Karolis Račkauskas-Vairas were a crucial source of information for this article, offering valuable insights into the daily life and responsi bilities of the consul in South Africa.