HL Deb 20 February 1991 vol 526 cc31-2WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they can confirm or deny reports that Soviet helicopters dropped leaflets opposing the Lithuanian independence poll; and if this is true, whether the reports reinforce arguments for the withdrawal of Soviet forces.

The Earl of Caithness

On 8th February, the independent news agency BALTFAX reported a statement from President Landsbergis to the effect that army helicopters were dropping leaflets urging voters to boycott the poll of 9th February. We have received no independent confirmation of the report. We have called repeatedly on the Soviet authorities to refrain from the use of coercive measures and to negotiate with the elected authorities in the Baltic Republics.