Tuščias šūvis: galimybės atremti Vokietijos karinę grėsmę 1939 metais
Faint Possibilities to Resist Germany’s Military Threat in 1939

Summary/Abstract: In the fateful years of 1938 – 1940 the Lithuanian Government failed to resort to armed resistance. It is still being argued whether Lithuania had any chances and was prepared, on its own, for the armed defence of its sovereignty. There is no answer as yet to what extent Lithuania was prepared to offer armed resistance and whether the plans developed for such eventuality by the army headquarters would have proved effective. The historiography dedicated to the armed forces of the First Lithuanian Republic insufficiently dealt with the issues related to the headquarters’ activities and strategic plans. The defence plans in case of war between Germany and Klaipėda region (Memel Territory) or entire Lithuania had not been investigated. The article, therefore, aims to investigate the strategic plan developed by the Lithuanian army headquarters for the eventual war with Germany. Until the changes in the military authorities of 1934, Lithuania was not actually ready for effective defence. In 1935 the army headquarters developed two strategic plans, “L” (Poland) and “V” (Germany), and continually improved them. Mobilization schemes No. 11, 12 and 14 were drawn up for mobilization needs. The mobilized army at the beginning of 1939 was intended to include 5 infantry divisions, 1 infantry brigade, 3 cavalry regiments, 12 border guard battalions, air force, technical corps, 6 reserve battalions with artillery and military services. The headquarters foresaw a possible attack by Germany aimed at the occupation of Klaipėda region or entire Lithuania. The border guard battalions composed of border police and riflemen units in concert with covering forces were supposed to stage defence by retreating, thus securing the mobilization of the main forces. The intended main line of defence was to be located on the Dubysa – Nemunas – Kaunas line using rivers and the obsolete military fortress of Kaunas. Germany could have blocked up the port of Klaipėda and launch an assault, while Lithuania, without naval forces and coastal artillery supply roads at its disposal, would have been incapable to prevent such scenario. Due to the animosity of Klaipėda region to the government of Lithuania, the military authorities planned covering actions in the territory of Greater Lithuania only. From 1939 onwards, the headquarters did not plan to announce mobilization in Klaipėda region in the event of war. The main lines of advance by German forces were supposed to be: the Kybartai – Kaunas, Tilsit – Tauragė – Šiauliai lines, since it would have taken 5–7 days for the Germans to reach the Kaunas – Dubysa – Šiauliai line.

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