The Lithuanian government—given less than 12 hours to respond—debated the ultimatum during the night session. It was clear that no matter how the government responded, the Soviet army would invade Lithuania.[42] President Antanas Smetona agreed only with the demand to form a new government[43] argued for military resistance, even if it were symbolic.[44] Merkys and his deputy Kazys Bizauskas urged acceptance.[45] Soviet troops were stationed in Lithuania since October 1939 and acted honorably – the Soviets would surely continue to be reasonable.[46] Bizauskas, a member of the opposition, saw the ultimatum as an opportunity to get rid of the Smetona regime.