It’s been stressed, that practically all western nations had never recognized “de jure” the Soviet occupation and annexation in 1940 of the Baltic States. Through Ernst Jaakson, Estonian Consul Generail in charge of legation in the USA, and Ilmar Heinsoo, from 1971 to 1991, as Acting Honorary Consul General in Canada, the two respective countries manifested their recognition of the legal continuity of the Republc of Estonia internationally.

Former President Lennart Meri, then foreign minister, immediately confirmed Heinsoo as Honorary Consul General when Estonia re-established independence in August of 1991. Western countries, who, prior to Soviet annexation recognized Estonia, did not have to establish diplomatic accords with newly free Estonia in 1991, but simply renewed their relations and exchange of diplomats.

From 1971 to 1991 Ilmar Heinsoo’s tenure as “free” Estonia’s representative was often precarious. By staunchly not recognizing Estonia’s annexation, Canada received numerous protests from the Soviet embassy in Ottawa, when Heinsoo, in his consular capacity had been in contact with Canadian officials, parlamentarians, etc. Canada’s foreign ministry duly handled these protests, but questions remained as to how visible and active should Heinsoo be in expressing the will of the Estonian people to be free and independent. He was oftn forced to walk the proverbial diplomatic tightrope but never wavered from “fighting the good fight.”

He was an annoying thorn in the side of Soviet occupying powers in Estonia. The ridicule, disdain and undue attention which the KGB’s disinformation arm aimed at Heinsoo and others in the west, in numerous booklets and articles, did not discouarge or dissuade him from his mission. (The author of many diatribes still lives and writes today under his previous “nom de plume” of Rein Kordes in free Estonia. He finds self-justification for his past activities.)

In his capacity as “free” Estonia’s “man in Canada” Ilmar Heinsoo constantly attended functions both within the Estonian community as well as others. Towards the end of the 1980’s as travel from occupied Estonia to the west becmae easier and intensive, Heinsoo hosted cultural, business, and governmental visits even though he could have ignored them prior to August of 1991. He represented “free” Estonia, not the Estonian SSR. By nature receptive and accomodating, Heinsoo facilitated Estonians in establishing better contacts with western counterparts.

Consular duties required the issueing of Estonian passports to those who legitimately required them, birth certificates and other documents that couldn’t be obtained from occupied Estonia.

Always obliging and approachable, Heinsoo’s door was always open to not only community leaders, but also to anybody who so requested. His arbitration and counselling skills were masterful. Just like his sense of humour, they still are. His advice remains valuable.

For twenty-five years, as a “consular confidante/problem solver/detailer”, Marta Kivik, on behalf of the consulate, encouraged and directed by Heinsoo, helped manage many politically important campaigns and community efforts which focussed attention on Estonia’s plight: mustering support for political prisoners, exposing human rights violations, organizing logistics for demonstrations etc. Thereafter her contribution was essential in managing four Estonian elections and a referendum across Canada. These co-operative efforts with the Estonian Central Council in Canada and other organizations were and remain solid.

After re-independence the consulate helped arrange and host numerous delegations and individual visitations of ministers, parlamentarians, government officials and cultural personalities to Canada. The consulate was a superb facilitator of these exchanges; Heinsoo often saddled with the expenses.

International convention does not allow the remuneration of honorary consuls. For 30 years, the brunt of consular costs were defrayed by Heinsoo Insurance Brokers Ltd. In addition to Heinsoo’s personal dedication to the cause, the financial burden was over and above ordinary duty, borne quietly without complaint or regret.

For health reasons, Ilmar Heinsoo tendered his resignation to the Estonian Foreign Ministry a few weeks ago. To us he remains a wise mentor, a patient listener, an affable colleague.

Even though normal diplomatic terminology doesn’t make allowance for the term “Honorary Consul General Emeritus”, in our hearts Ilmar Heinsoo rightfully deserves it. Thank-you Ilmar, for a job well done.

Märkmed: