Franco–Lithuanian Relations in the Context of Geopolitical Confrontation, 1918–1923

Abstract

This article is devoted to Franco-Lithuanian relations after the proclamation of the independence of Lithuania in 1918 and before the revolt in Memel in 1923. Efforts and contradictions, which emerged in the process of involving Lithuania in the sphere of French interests in the context of the Polish-Lithuanian conflict, and geopolitical confrontations of the state’s interested in establishing influence and control in the Baltic region are considered and evaluated. Based on the analysis of archival documents, the goals set before the military mission in Lithuania, which were not realized because of the French support for Poland in the Polish-Lithuanian territorial dispute, were identified.