Known and Unknown Activities of Lithuanian Honorary Consul in Boston Antanas Osvaldas Šalna (1939–1971)

Abstract

The activities of the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Boston in 1939–1971 have not yet been in the focus of research. The history of the consulate is directly linked to the representation of the first Lithuanian honorary consul lawyer Antanas O. Šalna. The article discusses the Lithuanian policy in the establishment of honorary consulates in the United States of America. It reveals the reasons of establishment of the Honorary Consulate in Boston, its solemn opening and the key facts of the life and activities of A. O. Šalna as well as the arguments of selecting him a candidate to the consul. It also focuses on the position taken by A. O. Šalna in 1940 and its relations with Lithuanian career diplomats (envoy Povilas Žadeikis and consul - general Jonas Budrys). The article describes the activities of the honorary consul after the loss of Lithuania’s independence, his relations with the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian émigré community in Massachusetts in the postwar period. It attempts to evaluate the role of A. O. Šalna in the Lithuanian diplomatic service.