Inventory of the Peters Z. Olins papers
Finding aid prepared by David Jacobs
Hoover Institution Library and Archives
© 2007
434 Galvez Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003
hoover-library-archives@stanford.edu
Title: Peters Z. Olins papers
Date (inclusive): 1927-1962
Collection Number: 83010
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material: Mainly in Latvian
Physical Description:
4 manuscript boxes, 1 oversize box
(2.0 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Correspondence, dispatches, writings, financial records, printed matter, photographs, and memorabilia, relating to Latvian
foreign relations and émigré affairs.
Creator:
Olins, Peters Z., -1962
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Access
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual
or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
Use
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquisition Information
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1997.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Peters Z. Olins Papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Biographical Note
| 1890 |
Born, Valmiera, Latvia |
| 1919 |
Enters Latvian diplomatic service |
| 1927 |
Awarded Ph.D. in history, American University, Washington, D.C. |
| 1928 |
Author,
The Teutonic Knights in Latvia. Promoted to rank of Minister Plenipotentiary.
|
| 1962 |
Died |
| 1910-1914 |
Student at the University of St. Petersburg |
| 1935-1962 |
Latvian minister to Argentina and Brazil |
Scope and Content of Collection
Acquired in 1997, the Peters Z. Olins papers in the Hoover Institution Library & Archives comprise materials relating to this
Latvian diplomat, who served most of his career in posts in Argentina and Brazil. Of perhaps most historical interest in the
collection is the official correspondence exchanged between Olins and other Latvian representatives in London, Washington,
and elsewhere, and especially his correspondence with Alfreds Bilmanis, Latvian ambassador to the United States. This series
also includes copies of letters sent between the Foreign Ministry of Latvia and various Latvian legations, and covers the
period before and during World War II. From this correspondence, it is possible to reconstruct the Latvian state's evaluation
of its situation in the years immediately before its loss of independence in 1940. These materials also document the unsuccessful
efforts of Latvian diplomats abroad to restore Latvian sovereignty after the end of the war.
Following the annexation of Latvia by the Soviet Union, many Latvian diplomats in the West, including Olins, retained their
official status as representatives of Latvia and continued to exercise their duties. In this regard, the collection contains
both correspondence as well as a number of reports written by Olins and sent to the Latvian Legation in the United States.
There is also an album of photographs in the collection relating to Olins' life and career, including his early years as a
student and a soldier in World War I, when Latvia was a province of the Russian empire.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Latvia -- Emigration and immigration
Diplomats -- Latvia
Argentina -- Foreign relations -- Latvia
Brazil -- Foreign relations -- Latvia
Latvia -- Foreign relations -- Argentina
Latvia -- Foreign relations -- Brazil
Bilmanis, Alfreds.
1941-1948
Scope and Contents note
Includes letters neither addressed to nor written by Peters Z. Olins
box 1, folder 3
Foreign Ministry of Brazil
1961
Foreign Ministry of Latvia.
Scope and Contents note
Includes correspondence between this ministry and Latvian legations in other countries
Latvian Legation (London)
1950-1962
box 2, folder 7
Latvian Legation (Washington, D.C.)
1955-1962
box 3, folder 1
Émigré publications
1950-1960
Scope and Contents note
Letters, with some transcripts of interviews and clippings
box 3, folder 2
Naturalization requests
1959-1960
box 3, folder 8
Photograph
undated
Scope and Contents note
One print depicting Vilhelms Munters and others
box 3, folder 9
Financial records
1952-1964
Scope and Contents note
Receipts and invoices
box 4, folder 1
Financial records
1954-1961
Scope and Contents note
One account book
box 4, folder 2
Olins, Peters Z.,
The Principle of the Equality of Men in the Movement for International Peace, doctoral thesis submitted to the American University, Washington, D.C.
1927 March.
Scope and Contents note
Typescript
box 4, folder 7
Album of photographs depicting Latvian participation in the commemoration of the fourth centenary of São Paulo, Brazil
1954
Biographical file
circa 1890s-1960
box 5, folder 1
Album of photographs documenting the life and career of Peters Z. Olins
circa 1890s-1960
Scope and Contents note
Includes photographs depicting Karlis Ulmanis and other Latvian officials
box 5, folder 2-4
Testimonials given to Peters Z. Olins from the Latvian émigré community in Brazil
1955-1959
box 5, folder 5
Certificate of consular authority, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1933 February 21
