Proclamation to the inhabitants of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania

[2] In issuing the proclamation bilingually, Piłsudski was appealing to the Lithuanians, hoping to recreate the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The style of the proclamation, the ideas contained within it, and the dramatic turn of phrase were definitely Piłsudski's, and reflected his position on the political and military situation he wished to resolve.

[1] Piłsudski pledged to ordain "elections which would take place on the basis of secret, universal and direct voting, without distinction between the sexes" and to "create an opportunity for settling your nationality problems and religious affairs in a manner that you yourself will determine, without any kind of force or pressure from Poland.

[3] However, the Lithuanians who demanded exclusive control over the city saw the proclamation as a facade for Polish imperialism.

Deputies from Polish People's Party demanded incorporation of the Vilnius Region into Poland, and even accused Piłsudski of treason.