[3] After the Soviet occupation of Lithuania in 1940, the United Kingdom continued to recognise the diplomats appointed by their pre-war governments throughout the Cold War.
They however maintained a relatively low profile given the precarious nature of their position and did not form a government in exile during the period of the Soviet rule of Lithuania.
[4] In 1967, after the death of Bronius Kazys Balutis, who served as Lithuania's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in London since 1934, Balickas became chargé d'affaires.
[7] Balickas was of frail health, did not speak fluent English despite the years spent in UK, and was unwilling to participate in various events advocating for Lithuania's independence.
[7] Due to increasingly poor health,[5] Balickas officially retired as ambassador on 7 July 1993,[7] though continued to be the honorary advisor to the embassy until his death in December 1996.