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The German-Soviet Non-Aggression Treaty (August 23, 1939)

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Secret Additional Protocol

On the occasion of the signature of the Non-Aggression Treaty between the German Reich and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the undersigned plenipotentiaries of the two parties discussed in strictly confidential conversations the question of the delimitation of their respective spheres of interest in Eastern Europe. These conversations led to the following result:

1. In the event of a territorial and political transformation in the territories belonging to the Baltic States (Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), the northern frontier of Lithuania shall represent the frontier of the spheres of interest of Germany and the U.S.S.R. In this connection the interest of Lithuania in the Vilna territory is recognized by both parties.

2. In the event of a territorial and political transformation of the territories belonging to the Polish state, the spheres of interest of Germany and the U.S.S.R. shall be bounded approximately by the line of the rivers Narew, Vistula and San.

The question of whether the interests of both parties make the maintenance of an independent Polish state desirable and how the frontiers of this state should be drawn can only be definitely determined in the course of further political developments.

In any case both Governments will resolve this question by means of a friendly understanding.

3. With regard to South-Eastern Europe, the Soviet side emphasizes its interests in Bessarabia. The German side declares its complete political désintéressement in these territories.

4. This Protocol will be treated by both parties as strictly secret.

MOSCOW, August 23, 1939.

For the Government of the German Reich: v. RIBBENTROP

With full power of the Government of the U.S.S.R.: V. MOLOTOV



Source of English translation: “Treaty of Non-Aggression between Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics” (August 23, 1939). In United States Department of State, Documents on German Foreign Policy: From the Archives of the German Foreign Ministry. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office, 1956. Series D (1937-1945), The Last Days of Peace, Volume 7: August 9 – September 3, 1939. Document Numbers 228 and 229, pp. 245-47. (English translation accredited to the U.S. Department of State Division of Language Services and slightly edited by GHI staff)

Source of original German text: “Nichtangriffsvertrag zwischen Deutschland und der Union der Sozialistischen Sowjetrepubliken” und “Geheimes Zusatzprotokoll” (August 23, 1939). In German Foreign Ministry, Akten zur Deutschen Auswärtigen Politik, 1918-1945. Baden-Baden: Imprimiere Nationale, MCMLVI. Series D: 1937-1945. Volume VII: Die letzten Wochen vor Kriegsausbruch, 9. August bis 3. September 1939. Document numbers 228 and 229, pp. 205-07.

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