Latvian representatives negotiate with Soviets

Latvian representatives engaged in negotiations with Soviet leaders, including Joseph Stalin and Vyacheslav Molotov, amid rising tensions in the region. The backdrop of these discussions was marked by the presence of Soviet troops massing near the Latvian border and violations of Latvian airspace. The geopolitical climate was further complicated by Estonia's recent signing of a Mutual Assistance Pact with the Soviet Union, which allowed for the establishment of Soviet military bases on Estonian territory. This agreement was perceived as a precursor to similar demands being made on Latvia, as the Soviets sought to expand their influence in the Baltic region. During the negotiations, the Soviets issued a clear ultimatum, threatening military occupation if Latvia did not acquiesce to their demands for military bases. This situation underscored the precarious position of Latvia, which was caught between the ambitions of the Soviet Union and the realities of its own sovereignty. The negotiations were critical as they would determine Latvia's future relationship with the Soviet Union and its ability to maintain independence in the face of external pressures. The outcome of these discussions would have lasting implications for Latvia's political landscape and its interactions with neighboring countries, as the threat of force loomed large over the negotiations.