Kazis Kazevich PREYKSHAS

Background

PREYKSHAS, Kazis was born on June 14, 1903. Son of a worker on Verbunay Estate, Gruzdzhyay (now Shyanlyay) former small rural district.

Education

1917-1931 studied at Communist University of Nat Minorities of the West, then at International Lenin School, Moscow; 1935 postgraduate studies in Moscow;

Career

During World War 1 evacuated with parents to Moscow. 1917 — 18 worked at “Provodnik” Plant. 1918 returned to Shyau- lyay and worked as farmhand on an estate, then as blacksmith and stevedore.

From 1920 active in Shyaulyay trade unions. Member, Shyaulyay City and Rayon Committee, Communist Party Lith. 1922-1923 arrested for revol activities.

1924 again arrested and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment. Released from prison under 28 July 1926 amnesty. From August 1931, after completing his schooling, engaged in underground Party work in Kaunas as secretary, Central Committee, Communist Party Lith.

28 December- 1931 re-arrested and sentenced by Kaunas Dist Court to eight years’ imprisonment. Military court reviewed the case and sentenced him to 12 years. 1933 sent to Moscow in exchange of political prisoners between USSR and Lith.

Sent to Minsk as deputy ed, Lith weekly “Raudonasis arloyas”. From fall 1935 postgraduate studies in Moscow. Went to Spain as volunteer to fight in Spanish Civil War.

Helped organize international units which fought on Madrid and Catalonian Fronts. After collapse of Spanish Republic interned in camps in France. April 1939 released.

Went to Moscow and helped prepare Lith-language Soviet lit for the press. 1940, after establishment of Soviet rule in Lith appointed, secretary, Central Committee, Communist Party Lith. Retained this post until 1948.

During World War 2 political and org work with Lith units of Soviet Army. 1948-1960 deputy chairman, Lith Council of Min. From 1961 Lith Min of Foreign Affairs.

Contributed to underground Lith Communist Party press and Soviet Lith press. For many years ed, Central Committee, Communist Party Lith journal “Kommunist”. 1929-1931 and 1940-1961 member, Central Committee, Communist Party Lith.

1941-1954 deputy, USSR Supreme Soviet. 1947-1961 deputy, Lith Supreme Soviet.

Religion

Idea of God is a virus of human mind.

Views

Communist Party is the leading force of Soviet society, and the nucleus of all state and public organizations.

Membership

• Communist Party member from 1920