George Matulaitis Journal

On April 29th a car arrived bringing several Lithuanian army officers. Later on I found out from Father Kukta that they had come to discuss the creation of a common front with the Polish High command. However, the Poles in Vilnius did not want to negotiate with them and sent them to Lida, where the staff headquarters are located. Not having achieved anything, the Lithuanians went back. I heard that the Poles in Warsaw were also unwilling to negotiate with the Lithuanian rep- resentatives sent from Kaunas. Now a Lithuanian delegate has left for Warsaw once again, with a French delegate. It is doubtful whether they will achieve anything. From the Poles I had heard that the two armies had ostensibly agreed on a common front against the Bolsheviks. But if this has not happened, then God knows how everything will end. I am afraid that the Lithuanians and the Poles will start fighting each other. O God, save us from new wars and massacres! A rumor has reached us that in Warsaw they do not know with whom to negotiate because there are three governments: one is that of the National Democrat, Dmowski, 1 who is now staying in Paris with Paderewski; 2 the second is the government of Pi = sudski, 3 who considers himself Head of State; the third is the Polish Parliament. In addition to this, there are disputes among the army commanders Pi = sudski and Haller. Apparently, Pi = sudski has made haste to seize Vilnius against the wishes of Haller and the Entente. May 3rd is the day for commemorating the Polish Constitution. Dr. W"c=aw ski was here to ask me that Mass be celebrated in the Cathedral on that day and that, if possible, I would celebrate it. I said that I would convene the Cathedral Chapter to discuss how everything should be done. Naturally, I have nothing against offering Mass. Let the people pray. He requested that the sermon be delivered by Father Kulesza, a known nationalist. The army chaplain, Father Baran, was here to ask that I arrange a solemn funeral for the recently killed soldiers. I sent him to the Dean to settle the matter. 267 1 Roman Dmowski: one of the leaders of the National Democratic Party, also President of the Polish National Committee formed in 1917 as a liaison between Poland and the Entente. 2 Ignacy Paderewski: also a National Democrat, eventually accepted by Pi =s udski as premier so he could form a government and secure Allied recognition. 3 P i=s udski’s political objective was to create a federation of nations headed by Poland, which would include Lithuania, Belorussia, and the Ukraine. He and his supporters became known as federalists.