George Matulaitis Journal

Belorussians are not nationally conscious and, having fallen into the Polish net, they will go wherever the Poles take them. Also, I should appear in public when this is expected of me and so on. Finally, 4) every- one knows and can see that those closest to me in my household are all Lithuanians, that Father Kukta often visits me and is suspected of giving me information. Regrettably, I fail to choose appropriate advisors, etc. After I had calmly heard him out, I answered thus: 1) I am surprised that the priests are turning away from me, since I have never wronged any of them, nor at any time insulted a single one. I receive everyone who comes to see me and listen to whatever he has to say. I have even asked the Dean and the assistant Dean to inform me about what is going on. However, I have noticed that here the priests do many things behind the bishop’s back and without his knowledge. They do not inform the bishop about what they are doing. 2) In my opinion, nationality should not be an issue in hospital work. When I learned that Father Kraujalis had diligently served the fighting men in the city, I appointed him to continue this work. If the Poles really want to make peace with the Lithuanians, then that is exactly what is needed — that they serve each other as brothers. 3) I have also served the people wholeheartedly wherever needed and I cannot understand why they should turn away from me. On the contrary, they defended me when necessary and always greet me with sincerity. Perhaps they would begin to turn away if the priests and politicians incited them against me. 4) It was the Dean’s duty to inform me about the fast and the holy days. I had asked the secretary, and he told me that the directives were given in the rubrics and were also in Canon Law. I cannot guess what the needs of the priests are unless they tell me. 5) Whenever required, I do speak up in public, even if I have to suffer for it. But I do not intend to get mixed up in politics, nor to go wherever the wind blows, as the crowds do. I must serve all nations and parties by leading them toward peace and unity. My guess is that Father Chomski is criticizing me because, when the Poles occupied Vilnius, I did not clearly take the side of the Polish nation- alists as they wanted me to. 6) He then pressured me to issue some kind of letter. I answered thatI do not see the need and it is not yet time to do so. When the Peace Conference determines the relations between nations, then it will be clear what and how to write. 7) I said that I consult the 257