Underground

Abstract

In the months following the proclamation of the state of emergency and the banning of the League, Veterans’ sympathizers publicly expressed their opposition to Päts’ actions. Numerous arrests were made for displays of disrespect towards the Riigivanem. ¹ Twenty-three League members were arrested on 6 May: one group who in two boats went out into Tallinn harbour close to the central prison and sang the League’s anthem to boost the morale of their incarcerated comrades; another group which demonstratively wore black berets in front of the former Tallinn League headquarters.² The most noteworthy protest was organized by William Tomingas, a businessman and former Veteran. In drafting his declaration condemning Päts’ actions, Tomingas consulted Professor Uluots on points of constitutional law.³ After failing to have it published in Paevaleht or Vaba Maa, Tomingas resorted to more conspiratorial methods. He circulated his declaration in the form of a handbill of which 10,000 copies were printed at the end of April and distributed nationwide.⁴ The handbill argued that Päts had violated the constitution by postponing the elections, and concluded that if the elections were not held within 100 days after the constitution came into force as stipulated, then citizens should disobey any decrees issued by the government.⁵