French Commissariat in Klaipėda Infrastructure

In the old town of Klaipėda.

After World War I, the Klaipėda Region (Memel Gebiet or Territoire de Memel) was separated from Germany according to the Versailles Peace Treaty, and in January 1920, the power in the region was taken over from the German representative by the French-appointed administrator, Brigadier General Dominique Odry, who settled in building No. 3 on Perkasų g. (present-day Sukilėlių g.). Thus, in 1920–1923, the prefecture became the headquarters of the French High Commissariat and the most important government institution in the Klaipėda Region. The XXI Infantry Rifle Battalion of the French Army was stationed in the city.

On January 10–15, 1923, a well-organized and successfully implemented military operation organized by the Lithuanian government, the army and the Riflemen's Union took place, for a long time called the "Klaipėda Region Uprising", after which the Klaipėda Region was annexed to Lithuania. During the military operation, the 2nd (Pagėgiai) combat group of the Special Purpose Unit, led by Mykolas Kalmantas-Bajoras, broke through to the prefecture building and occupied it. The prefect or chief commissioner Gabriel Petisne was forced to raise the white flag and surrender.

In cultural memory, the prefecture is associated with the victory of the "rebels", the final highlight of the annexation of Klaipėda, therefore, to commemorate the annexation of Klaipėda to Lithuania, theatrical reenactments of the storming of the prefecture are prepared, performed by war reenactors.