ACT QUICKLY

Often, when organising a demonstration, it is necessary to act quickly.

REACT IMMEDIATELY, WITHOUT DELAY!

EUROPEAN SECURITY AND COOPERATION COUNCIL (ESCC) CONFERENCE

During the initial European Security and Cooperation Council Conference in Helsinki in 1973, representatives of the Baltic countries who were barred from attending the official conference held a press conference. However, it was hurriedly cancelled because several Baltic members were suddenly arrested after Uldis Grava questioned Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko about human rights violations in the occupied Baltic states at the reception.

Caricature – Uldis Grava’s presence in Helsinki that worried Gromyko Artist: Eduards Keišs

Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Uldis Grava

They had to mobilise quickly – invitations to the cancelled press conference provided information on how to find Baltic representatives.

Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by the Grava family

We had a jungle telegraph between the Balts, so news would travel quickly. We rang each other!
Ints Rupners

DEMONSTRATION AGAINST AUSTRALIA’S RECOGNITION OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE BALTIC STATES

The 1974 action of Latvians in Australia can be considered an exemplary mobilisation of demonstrators. They quickly and publicly objected to the Australian government’s decision to recognise the occupation of the Baltic states. Australian Latvians were also supported by other Latvians in exile who organised protests at Australian organisations in the USA.

Flier published by the “British League for European Freedom” on Australia’s decision to recognise de iure the occupation of the Baltic states and distributed at the Latvian protest at Australia House in London, 18 September 1974

Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Margareta Putce

American Latvians demonstrate at the Australian airlines’ Qantas offices in New York City, August 1974 Photographer unknown

Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by BATUN

Protests at the UN after Australia recognised de iure the occupation of Latvia, August 1974. Uldis Grava at the podium. Photographer unknown

Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre collection

Baltic women’s march in Melbourne to protest the Whitlam government’s decision to recognise de iure the incorporation of the Baltic states into the Soviet Union. Valda Liepiņš carries the Latvian flag, 28 September 1974 Photographer unknown

Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Valda Liepiņš