Aspects of Legal Continuity of the Republic of Latvia in the Activities of Latvian Foreign Service

Abstract

This article describes some aspects of legal continuity of the Republic of Latvia in the work of Latvian foreign service in the West during 1940–1991, i.e., the time of occupation and annexation of Latvia. Legal aspects of the activities implemented by Latvian foreign service must be analyzed because the principal aims of diplomats were the safeguarding of the de jure status of the Republic of Latvia, political and diplomatic struggle for the restoration of independence, informational work and consular activities. The current article provides reflection upon the analysis of extraordinary powers (May 17, 1940), official position against two foreign occupation powers, continuation of use of Latvian laws in consular work, specific situation due to the lack of government, the position of Latvian diplomats in discussions with Latvian exile community in the West about Latvian Constitution, the idea of government-in-exile, and the policy of Western powers as to the legal status of Latvian diplomats in these countries.