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Poland--Toast Research 7/92 [OA 7575]
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Poland--Toast Research 7/92 [OA 7575]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Poland--Toast Research 7/92 [OA 7575]
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white
White House News Summary
Wednesday, October 10, 1990
1:00 P.M. NEWS UPDATE
TRIP NEWS (Thomas Ferraro, UPI) -- An embattled President Bush
stuck to his vow not to hold grudges against breakaway Republicans
by campaigning for Sen. Helms, "a champion of conviction. "
Speaking at a breakfast fund-raiser, Bush described him as an
effective leader and "a watchdog of taxpayer money." But
Bush
said, "Occasionally, there are going to be differences. "
For his part, Helms lavished praise on Bush, calling him "a
courageous leader, a great friend."
Lisa
(Tom Raum, AP) -- President Bush, treading carefully on the
tax issue as he campaigned for Sen. Helms, promised to work to "put
together a better package" to match the $500 billion in deficit
cuts
Bush steered completely clear of the issue of higher
taxes, and didn't mention them when he ticked off a list of
features that the new pact should include
Helms avoided areas
of disagreement with the President completely, calling him
"evenhanded" in all matters.
APPROVAL RATING (AP) -- President Bush's job approval rating has
fallen to the lowest point of his Presidency, a media group said
today. The Times Mirror Center for the People & the Press said its
survey put Bush's rating at 55 percent, 21 points below the rating
he was given in early August
Twenty-eight percent of those
said they disapproved of Bush's job performance and 17 percent said
they didn't know. The survey also indicated that the most closely
followed stories in the news are the crisis in the Gulf and gas
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 : 6-22-92 ; 5:08PM ;
2026470555-
2024566218;# 2
PRESIDENT'S ARRIVAL STATEMENT
The 1st presidential Working Toast
July 10, 1989
unch
MR. PRESIDENT, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GRACIOUS WORDS OF WELCOME.
TO YOU AND TO THE PEOPLE OF POLAND, I EXTEND THE HEARTFELT
BEST WISHES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
IT IS GOOD TO BE BACK IN POLAND AT SUCH AN EXCITING TIME IN
ITS HISTORY. A GREAT DEAL HAS HAPPENED SINCE MY LAST TRIP
HERE, LESS THAN TWO YEARS AGO.
POLAND HAS STARTED ALONG AN ASCENDING PATH OF DEMOCRATIC
CHANGE. THIS PATH IS NOT EASY AND WILL REQUIRE FURTHER
SACRIFICES BUT, IF FOLLOWED, IT WILL LEAD TO THE RENAISSANCE OF
THIS GREAT NATION. I HAVE GREAT HOPES FOR POLAND. SOLIDARITY
IS AGAIN LEGAL. THE BEGINNINGS OF A FREE PRESS NOW EXIST. A
NEW PARLIAMENT IS IN PLACE AND THE POLISH SENATE HAS BEEN
RESTORED THROUGH FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS. POLAND IS MAKING ITS
OWN HISTORY.
THE GOVERNMENT OF POLAND AND YOU, MR. PRESIDENT, HAVE SHOWN
WISDOM AND COURAGE IN TAKING THE PATH OF THE ROUNDTABLE
ACCORDS. THE WORLD IS INSPIRED BY POLAND'S EFFORTS.
MR. PRESIDENT, I LOOK FORWARD TO MY UPCOMING TALKS WITH YOU
AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF THE POLISH GOVERNMENT AND WITH THE
DEMOCRATIC OPPOSITION. I HOPE TO MEET AS MANY OF THE POLISH
PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AND TO HEAR THE CANDID VIEWS OF ALL MAJOR
SEGMENTS OF YOUR SOCIETY. THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF WORK TO BE
DONE AND WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE FURTHER PROGRESS IN
U.S.-POLISH TIES.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS WARM WELCOME. NIECH ZYJE POLSKA
(nyekh ZHEE-ye POL-ska - Long Live Poland).
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / July 9
rope
prosperous, peaceful, and free.
the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base, MD.
The remarks as delivered were not released
Note: The President spoke at 7:10 a.m. on
by the Office of the Press Secretary.
hanging face of central
Poland and Hungary to
Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony in Warsaw
iers from the six major
ies in my first economic
July 9, 1989
nt. Together, we are
:he benefits of political
Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your
And as we begin these discussions, I carry
mic prosperity around
hospitable and gracious words of welcome.
with me many happy memories of my first
nit is a unique opportu-
To you and to the people of Poland, friends
visit to Poland. And my thoughts turn on
rogress. It's also an op-
and cousins of so many in my homeland, we
this Sunday to the memory of another
that we can forge a
extend the heartfelt best wishes of the
Sunday outside Warsaw, when we attended
0 new challenges, such
American people. And here in the heart of
morning Mass at St. Margaret's Church in
ect the global environ-
Europe, the American people have a fer-
Lomianki. The cracks of her historic walls
vent wish-that Europe be whole and free.
were filled with flowers, and the church
economic summit will
In my first moments as President, I told
itself was filled to overflowing with your
al and economic issues
my countrymen that a new breeze was
countrymen, their devoted faces touched by
e will review the inter-
blowing across the world. And the winds of
tears of joy. And it reminds me of other
cene, and we'll identify
change have surely touched the land here,
churches that I've visited since that morn-
ove coordination. We'll
where so much has happened since my last
ing at St. Margaret's, churches like St. Adal-
n of debt in the devel-
visit. It is wonderful to be back at such an
bert's in Philadelphia, St. Hyacinth's in Chi-
ect summit leaders to
exciting time. History, which has so often
cago, churches built by Polish hands and
itment to complete the
conspired with geography to deny the
nurtured by Polish dreams. In America and
ade negotiations by De-
Polish people their freedom, now offers up
in Poland those dreams are as ancient and
a new and brighter future for Poland.
as fundamental as the courageous spirit of
ISS ways of dealing with
I listened carefully, sir, to your words of
the Polish people.
il environmental issues
welcome, and yes, Poland has started along
oblems including global
an ascending path of change-democratic
And as we meet this evening in Warsaw,
ion, and the pollution of
change. And this climb is exhilarating, but
the Sun still shines on those churches across
We know there are no
not always easy, and will require further
the sea. It's still Sunday afternoon there,
ided we work together,
sacrifices. But, if followed, it will lead to a
and America's churches are filled with
can find common solu-
renaissance for this remarkable nation.
people in prayer. And as we begin these
none of us can solve
These are great days for Poland. Solidari-
discussions-and as your country continues
ty is legal. The beginnings of a free press
its hard journey up the path it has chosen-
returning home, I will
now exist. A new Parliament is in place.
my prayers and the prayers of the Ameri-
nored ally, the Nether-
The Polish Senate has been restored
can people remain with Poland, as they
ip with the Dutch is
through free and fair elections. And Poland
have throughout its long struggle. And, yes,
n Constitution, with a
is making its own history-and America,
there is a good deal of work to be done, and
tradition of union and
and the whole world, is watching. The Gov-
we will work together to gain new ground,
nspired our own. Today
ernment of Poland and you, Mr. Chairman,
to expand our common ground and U.S.-
have shown wisdom and courage in taking
Polish ties.
partners in commerce
nse, and the common
the path of those roundtable accords. And
So, thank you again, sir, for this warm
have never been strong-
the world is inspired by what is happening
welcome. Rest well on this Sunday night.
here.
Mr. Chairman, we do look forward to our
And long live Poland! Thank you very
ning point. A continent
much.
more than four decades
talks with you and other representatives of
ig whole and free. Our
the Polish Government, with the democrat-
that we mend old divi-
ic opposition as well. While in your country,
Note: The President spoke at 10:25 p.m. on
the decades-old dream,
I want to hear the many voices of the
the tarmac at Okecie Airport. In his re-
Europe emerges secure,
people of Poland.
marks, the President referred to Wojciech
917
July 9 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
Jaruzelski, Chairman of Poland's Council of
and Mrs. Bush went to the Parkowa Guest
State. Following his remarks, the President
House.
Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting
With Polish Chairman Wojciech Jaruzelski in Warsaw
July 10, 1989
President Bush and General Jaruzelski
chowski amplified these same themes. Sec-
talked for more than 2 hours this morning,
retary Baker referred to the close and his-
from 9:45 to 12:05, and discussed a full
toric bonds between the two peoples. The
range of bilateral and international issues.
Secretary outlined in some detail the Presi-
President Bush outlined the economic pro-
dent's economic incentives. The two Minis-
gram [proposals] that he will make to the
ters discussed the full range of bilateral
Polish Parliament this afternoon. The Presi-
issues, including increased dialog between
dent also discussed his conventional arms
U.S. and Polish officials, technical and scien-
proposal made at the NATO summit. Gen-
tific exchanges, trade increases, environ-
eral Jaruzelski said the Warsaw Pact ap-
mental improvements, international fishing
plauded the President's proposal and felt
the timetable was achievable. General Jaru-
clarifications, and various economic pros-
zelski spent a good deal of the time discuss-
pects. President Bush felt the meeting was
ing the internal political situation in Poland.
quite productive and friendly.
President Bush reiterated the United States
desire to be helpful in Poland's reform ef-
Note: At their meeting at Belweder Palace,
forts without being intrusive.
the President and Chairman Jaruzelski
In the plenary session, Secretary of State
signed agreements rescheduling Poland's
Baker and Poland's Foreign Minister Ole-
debt payments.
Toasts at a Luncheon at the United States Ambassador's Residence
in Warsaw
July 10, 1989
The President. First, my thanks to our
But look, we are also aware of the many
host and hostess, our able Ambassador and
difficulties and the economic pressures that
his wife, for this informal, lovely luncheon.
lie ahead. And your challenge is to rise
It's an honor and privilege to be with you
above the mistrust, to bring the Polish
here today.
people together for a common purpose.
Some of us met 2 years ago in Warsaw,
The United States will stand with Poland;
and so much has changed. These. are hope-
we will support Poland's hopeful mission,
ful times for Poland. It's a special moment
unparalleled in your history.
in Poland's history, perhaps the most pro-
And so, with deep respect for you, Mr.
foundly challenging period in many dec-
Chairman, and your colleagues and for Soli-
ades. I told Chairman Jaruzelski this morn-
darity and for the roundtable process and
ing that my country and the world are in-
for all the guests at this luncheon that made
spired by Poland's success at the roundtable
that process work, I would like to lift my
and by the implementation of the roundta-
glass-if I can find it-[laughter]-to the
ble's provisions. And I hope you've noticed
Nation and the people of Poland.
that today we are all sitting at round tables.
Chairman Jaruzelski. Mr. President, Mrs.
[Laughter]
Bush, Mr. Ambassador, Mrs. Davis, let me,
918
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / July 10
t to the Parkowa Guest
first of all, thank you very much for this
this house. And even though at that time
nice hospitality and for the fact that we
we heard words of hope, I believe that
could meet in this beautiful scenery and
none of us at that time expected that we
have this excellent lunch.
sident's Meeting
would meet in 2 years in a situation like the
I have been taken by surprise by your
present. Poland is still divided, but it's possi-
aw
President with the offer to come and speak
ble that what's taking place right now is
to you. So, let me just share with you a few
actually taking place, that together we have
loose observations. But I consider as a sig-
nificant fact that it is here at the residence
the representatives of Solidarity, of the op-
ese same themes. Sec-
position, and of the authorities. We feel that
of the U.S. Ambassador we could meet in
d to the close and his-
such a pluralistic company. What is more,
what's happening now, what's taking
the two peoples. The
we were able to meet in a friendly atmos-
place-the political and economic reform,
some detail the Presi-
phere, and I believe we have felt well to-
all of that, is in the interest of Poland, not
intives. The two Minis-
gether.
just one particular side. And at moments
full range of bilateral
One other personal reflection for me: I
like these, we think of the Founding Fa-
live perhaps 50 or 80 meters away from
thers of the United States, whose message
reased dialog between
als, technical and scien-
here for 16 years, and it is for the first time
about freedom has not lost any of its cur-
that I have come to this building and this
rent significance.
de increases, environ-
residence. [Laughter] I think it is also a sign
First of all and above all, we seek under-
ts, international fishing
arious economic pros-
of time, and I and Mrs. Jaruzelski doubly
standing for what is happening in our coun-
1 felt the meeting was
appreciate this meeting.
try. The future of Polish reforms depends
Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind
on Poles alone. We do not expect that they
friendly.
and well-wishing words. I value very highly
will be carried at somebody else's cost or by
these long conversations today with you. I
others' hands. But we believe that these re-
ng at Belweder Palace,
believe they allowed us to better come to
forms will be understood the world over as
Chairman Jaruzelski
know each other and better understand
serving the whole world: serving the pur-
rescheduling Poland's
each other, and I have no doubt that it will
poses of not only Poland but also of Czecho-
benefit the cooperation and friendship be-
slovakia and Hungary and the interests of
tween our two countries and people.
that part of the world and the whole world
Once again, thank you very much for this
itself.
meeting today, and I wish you all the best. I
And in this house, the house of Helen and
dor's Residence
know that the important person in this
John Davis, who have done so much for the
company according to the protocol is the
Polish cause, let me say that this is exactly
U.S. President, but may I be allowed to
what we expected from the President of
fracture the protocol and follow the old
the United States. The words he uttered,
Polish tradition of offering to everybody to
that the United States will support the re-
lso aware of the many
raise our glasses to the good health of Bar-
forms taking place in Poland, are the words
conomic pressures that
bara Bush and all the ladies present with us
that we were hoping for. And for that, let
challenge is to rise
here today.
me propose a toast to the President of the
to bring the Polish
Mr. Geremek. Mr. President of the United
United States and the United States of
a common purpose.
States and Mr. Chairman, even this very
America.
ill stand with Poland;
beginning tells us of what Poland stands for
and's hopeful mission,
now. A man from Solidarity, a member of
Note: The President spoke at 1:15 p.m. on
history.
Solidarity, I, who have been in this house
the patio of the U.S. Ambassador's resi-
) respect for you, Mr.
several times in the past-even though I
dence. In his remarks, he referred to Am-
colleagues and for Soli-
don't live that far from it-I can admit and
bassador and Mrs. John R. Davis, Jr.; Woj-
oundtable process and
say openly that something new is arising,
ciech Jaruzelski, Chairman of Poland's
is luncheon that made
emerging, in the ties between Poland and
Council of State; and Bronislaw Geremek,
the United States.
would like to lift my
parliamentary opposition leader and a
it-{laughter}-to the
Roughly 2 years ago, the Vice President
senior adviser for Solidarity. A tape was not
e of Poland.
of the United States and Mrs. Barbara Bush
available for verification of the contents of
ki. Mr. President, Mrs.
talked with members of Solidarity right in
the remarks.
or, Mrs. Davis, let me,
919
July 10 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
Remarks to the Polish National Assembly in Warsaw
July 10, 1989
Chairman Jaruzelski, Marshalls Koza-
earned all our admiration.
kiewicz and Stelmachowski, Prime Minister
Our meeting today bears witness to the
Rakowski, and senators and delegates, on
character of our age. Some 450 years ago,
behalf of the people of the United States, I
when the Polish astronomer Copernicus
am honored to greet the newly elected rep-
came to understand the natural order of the
resentatives of the Polish Parliament. To be
planets and had the courage to question
here with you on this occasion is proof that
accepted wisdom, the world was changed
we live in extraordinary, indeed, thrilling
forever. From this year forward, as Poland
times.
works to reaffirm the natural order of man
The power and potential of this moment
and government, so, too, will Poland be
was first made clear to me when I saw a
changed forever. For today the scope of
photo, a worldwide photo, flashed all
political and economic change in Poland is
around the world: a photo of General Jaru-
indeed Copernican-a fundamental change
zelski, senator leader Lech Walesa, shoul-
in perspective that places the people at the
der-to-shoulder-Solidarity leader Lech
center, a new understanding that the gov-
Walesa-shoulder-to-shoulder at the open-
erned are the true source of lasting social
ing session of this Parliament, committed to
peace and economic prosperity around
new progress in Poland. Believe me, that
which government revolves, and exists to
sent a wonderful signal all around the
serve.
world.
Poland has a rich democratic heritage.
Poland and the United States are bound,
The May 3d Constitution was a stroke of
it is often said, by ties of kinship and cul-
genius. Today, at the dawn of that docu-
ture. But our peoples are linked by more
ment's third century, you're called upon to
than sentiment. The May 3d Constitution of
match its genius with contemporary action,
1791 set Poland ahead of her peers, ahead
to make a peaceful transition toward politi-
of her time, in the pursuit of freedom and
cal and economic renewal through repre-
democratic ideas, just as our Constitution,
sentative government that expresses the
the American Constitution of 1787, set new
will of the people.
standards for protection of the rights of the
I said a few weeks ago, here in Europe,
individual. For decades, beginning with the
that East and West have arrived at the end
Versailles Peace Conference, the United
of one era and at the beginning of another.
States has stood for Polish independence,
Chairman Jaruzelski recently said of Poland
freedom, prosperity. And we are proud of
that "the life of the Nation has undergone
our early and longstanding commitment to
deep changes; society has the full right to
Polish self-determination. As America's
ask when a ray of sun will shine over
President, I am here today to reaffirm that
Poland." In truth, this applies not just to
proud commitment.
Poland but to the entirety of relations be-
I understand something of the work you
tween East and West.
are commencing, for I began my own
A profound cycle of turmoil and great
public service in the American Congress.
change is sweeping the world from Poland
Democratically chosen legislatures are
to the Pacific. It is sometimes inspiring, as
among mankind's greatest forums for
here in Warsaw, and sometimes it's agoniz-
debate and dialog. And while I've been to
ing, as in China today. But the magnitude
Poland before, I did not expect to return so
of change we sense around the world com-
soon nor to such altered circumstances in
pels us to look within ourselves and to God
your country. And so, too, perhaps many of
to forge a rare alloy of courage and re-
you didn't expect to be here, serving in this
straint.
or any Polish Parliament, and your achieve-
The future beckons with both hope and
ment has surpassed all expectation and has
uncertainty. Poland and Hungary find
920
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / July 10
aw
themselves at a crossroads. Each has started
the Atlantic Charter for which the United
down its own road to reform, without guar-
States and Poland fought as allies. One is
antee of easy success. The people of these
the manifest failure of the classic Stalinist
nations and the courage of their leaders
system; and the other is the indomitable
iration.
command our admiration. The way is hard;
will of the people-through leaders in
lay bears witness to the
but the moment is right, both internally
Poland and Hungary, who are working to
ge. Some 450 years ago,
and internationally, for Poland to walk its
overcome the mistakes of the past with
astronomer Copernicus
own path. On the day Solidarity was re-
1 the natural order of the
honesty, creativity and, yes, courage. The
stored, I spoke of my support and admira-
world watches in admiration.
he courage to question
tion for the political experiment just getting
the world was changed
underway in Poland. You've since proceed-
And now, in part because of what you are
year forward, as Poland
ed further along that road, including hold-
doing here, the genuine opportunity exists
he natural order of man
ing the remarkable elections that produced
for all of us to build a Europe which many
so, too, will Poland be
this Parliament. And let us consider what
thought was destroyed forever in the
For today the scope of
your experiment may mean not just for
1940's. That Europe, the Europe of our
mic change in Poland is
Poland but for Europe and for the entire
children, will be open, whole, and free. We
-a fundamental change
world.
can make it so in two ways.
places the people at the
The divided world of the modern age
First, a new East-West relationship must
erstanding that the gov-
began here-right here, in Poland-50
rest on greatly reduced levels of arms. I
source of lasting social
years ago this summer. Your country, and
notice what General Jaruzelski said on that
mic prosperity around
then nearly all of Europe, was first besieged
point, and I support him. We in the West
revolves, and exists to
and then occupied by totalitarian, despotic
have proposed dramatic reductions in con-
forces. A courageous Poland was our ally.
ventional armed forces in Europe, reduc-
:h democratic heritage
And in that fearful time, Franklin Roosevelt
tions that promise to transform the military
itution was a stroke of
and Winston Churchill devised the Atlantic
map of Europe and diminish the very
he dawn of that docu-
Charter, which outlined principles on which
threat of war. The new willingness in
y, you're called upon to
we hoped to build a better world, including
Moscow to accept this Western framework
th contemporary action,
freedom from want and fear, and the right
for reductions in troops and tanks and air-
transition toward politi-
of peoples to choose the form of govern-
craft and other categories of weapons gives
renewal through repre-
ment under which they will live. But as you
us hope that the negotiations in Vienna will
ent that expresses the
know better than anyone, the world that
succeed. A good beginning has been made.
we sought then was not to be. Stalinist sys-
Constructive proposals are being offered on
KS ago, here in Europe,
tems were imposed over a third of a conti-
both sides. We are determined to push hard
have arrived at the end
nent-the cold war began. The countries of
for an early and successful conclusion to
e beginning of another.
the West organized themselves in defense
these talks.
recently said of Poland
of democratic principles, and we proposed
Second, reductions in military forces will
Nation has undergone
that the Marshall plan include Eastern
go further and be more sustainable if they
ty has the full right to
Europe, but again, that was not to be.
take place in parallel with political change.
of sun will shine over
The Western strategy, our strategy of
Excessive levels of arms, we believe, are the
this applies not just to
containment, was a means but was never an
symptom, and not the source, of political
entirety of relations be-
end in itself. It was no substitute for a free
tensions. In Europe those tensions spring
t.
and united Europe, and we did not forget
from an unnatural and cruel division. Po-
of turmoil and great
the frustrated and lost hopes of 1945 nor
land's decision to embrace political reform
the promise of a better world-neither did
the world from Poland
and Hungary's movement in the same di-
the Polish people. You have been a crucible
sometimes inspiring, as
rection thus have great importance beyond
1 sometimes it's agoniz-
of conflict; you're now becoming a vessel
their borders. By creating political struc-
for change. Poland is where the cold war
ay. But the magnitude
tures legitimized by popular will-by that,
began, and now the people of Poland can
around the world com-
your reforms can be the foundation of sta-
help bring the division of Europe to an end.
n ourselves and to God
bility, security, and prosperity not just here
The time has come to move beyond con-
by of courage and re-
but in all of Europe, now and into the next
tainment to a world too long deferred, a
century.
better world.
is with both hope and
Mikhail Gorbachev has written: "Univer-
And now, at long last, two developments
I and Hungary find
sal security rests on the recognition of the
have allowed us to redeem the principles of
right of every nation to choose its own path
921
July 10 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
of social development and on the renunci-
en any great democratic experiment. And I
ation of interference in the domestic affairs
must speak honestly: Economic reform and
of other states. A nation may choose either
recovery cannot occur without sacrifices.
capitalism or socialism. This is its sovereign
Even in an economy as productive as ours,
right." In principle, I agree, but I might
we still debate the roles and limits of gov-
well have said that the people of a nation
ernment: how to regulate the private sector
may freely choose either a free-market
without discouraging innovation; how to
economy or socialism-that is their right.
reduce our own enormous budget deficit;
And so, the West works not to disrupt, not
how to balance workers' needs and industri-
to interfere, not to threaten any nation's
al efficiency; how to handle the painful dis-
security but to help forge closer and endur-
ruptions of change for the sake of produc-
ing ties between Poland and the rest of
tivity, for the sake of progress, for the sake
Europe.
of prosperity.
As a result of the roundtable accords, Po-
The reform of the Polish economy pre-
land's fate lies more than ever in Polish
sents an historic challenge. There can be no
hands, and there it must ever remain. Your
substitute for Poland's own efforts, but I
responsibility for your country's future is
want to stress to you today that Poland is
immense. Poland's friends, including the
not alone. Given the enormity of this
American people, want Poland to be free,
moment, the United States stands ready to
prosperous, democratic, independent-true
help as you help yourselves.
to the best tradition of your nation's past.
And this regime is moving forward with a
In Hamtramck, Michigan, 3 months ago, I
sense of realism and courage in a time of
outlined a policy of support for the reforms
great difficulty and challenge. Lech Walesa
then just beginning in Poland. I proposed
and Solidarity are deeply committed to in-
specific steps, carefully chosen, to recognize
stitutions in Poland that will serve all its
the reforms underway here and to encour-
people. This Parliament, by its very exist-
age reforms yet to come. It is a policy built
ence, is advancing pluralism, and the
on dynamic interplay of progress in Poland
church has served as a source of spiritual
and Western engagement, and not on un-
guidance and unity in turbulent times. But
sound credits made without regard to nec-
above all, there are the people of Poland,
essary reforms. That was the record of the
people who are steadfastly working toward
1970's; Poland and the United States need
productive change.
not repeat that. Our efforts will be carefully
And yet, even under the best circum-
targeted in support of an emerging new
stances, representative government has its
Poland. We've made progress on the steps
own challenges. It requires patience, toler-
announced at Hamtramck, and this is
ance, and give-and-take between political
where we stand.
opponents. But its virtue is that it grants
Legislation is well underway that will
legitimacy to leaders and their policies; it
help Polish exporters compete more effec-
gives governments and societies the man-
tively in the U.S. market through General-
date to make hard choices. And through
ized Systems of Preferences and that will
their involvement, it gives the people a
authorize our Overseas Private Investment
stake in the choices that are made.
Corporation to operate in Poland, providing
For over 200 years, Americans have wres-
investment insurance and setting up mis-
tled over political and economic interests,
sions to stimulate U.S. investment and joint
over individual and civil rights, and the role
ventures here. The United States is propos-
of a loyal opposition. Democracy is not a
ing a private business agreement that will
conclusion; it's a process, and perfecting it
promote contacts between Poland's grow-
never ends. But history has taught Ameri-
ing private business sector and its American
cans one very clear lesson: Democracy
counterparts. We hope to conclude an
works.
agreement soon to build on what promises
We understand in my country the enor-
to be an unprecedented opportunity.
mous economic problems you face. Eco-
There is great interest and excitement in
nomic privation is a danger that can threat-
the United States about what you're doing
922
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / July 10
tic experiment. And I
in Poland and a clear-cut desire to help the
common inheritance-the environment. In
Economic reform and
reform process. I hosted a White House
fact, sound ecology and a strong economy
ur without sacrifices.
symposium on July 6th to bring together
can and must coexist. Air and water pollu-
as productive as ours,
citizens of my country interested in pro-
tion know no boundaries, and this concern
les and limits of gov-
moting investment, trade, and academic ex-
is worldwide. Almost 2 years ago, I visited
late the private sector
change with Poland and Hungary. And I
Krakow, your former royal capital, a city
innovation; how to
can assure you that, more than ever before,
recognized by UNESCO as an international
mous budget deficit;
the American people will be involved in
treasure. Today Krakow is under siege by
-s' needs and industri-
your democratic experiment.
I've said that as Poland reforms itself, the
pollution; its priceless monuments are being
andle the painful dis-
destroyed. Krakow must be reclaimed, and
the sake of produc-
U.S. will respond. Much has happened even
the United States will help. And I'll ask the
progress, for the sake
in the short time since Hamtramck. So,
today I'm pleased to announce that we plan
Congress for $15 million for a cooperative
to do more and go farther for the sake of a
venture with Poland to help fight air and
Polish economy pre-
nge. There can be no
stable and prosperous Poland.
water pollution there.
First, I will propose at the upcoming eco-
Sixth, and finally, when I begin my re-
own efforts, but I
today that Poland is
nomic summit in Paris that the nations of
marks-when I began them, I mentioned
the summit, that Summit Seven, intensify
the shared cultured heritage of our two na-
e enormity of this
tates stands ready to
their coordination and concerted action to
tions. Today, I'm proud to announce that
elves.
promote democratic reform in Poland and
the United States will establish a cultural
ligan, 3 months ago, I
Hungary and to help manage compassion-
and information center in Warsaw, and
ately the process of change. We will work
we'll ask Poland to establish a similar center
oport for the reforms
with our partners at the summit, moving
in the United States. This will be the first
1 Poland. I proposed
quickly with increased Western aid and
time that either of our two countries will be
chosen, to recognize
here and to encour-
technical assistance. This concerted action
able to conduct educational and cultural
ie. It is a policy built
will; complement existing institutions like
programs outside of our Embassies and con-
of progress in Poland
the World Bank, the Paris Club, and IMF
sulates.
ent, and not on un-
[International Monetary Fund], and address
The elections which brought us-all of
needed economic reforms, credits, manage-
us-together here today mean that the path
thout regard to nec-
as the record of the
ment and training initiatives, social safety
the Polish people have chosen is that of
nets, housing, and other issues important to
political pluralism and economic rebirth.
United States need
Poland.
The road ahead is a long one, but it is the
orts will be carefully
Second, I will ask the United States Con-
only road which leads to prosperity and
f an emerging new
gress to provide a $100 million fund to cap-
social peace. Poland's progress along this
rogress on the steps
italize and invigorate the Polish private
road will show the way toward a new era
amck, and this is
sector, and we will encourage parallel con-
throughout Europe, an era based on
tributions from other nations of the eco-
common values and not just geographic
underway that will
nomic summit.
proximity. The Western democracies will
ompete more effec-
Third, I will encourage the World Bank
stand with the Polish people and other peo-
et through General-
to move ahead with $325 million in eco-
ples of this region.
ences and that will
nomically viable loans to help Polish agri-
Democracy has captured the spirit of our
Private Investment
culture and industry reach the production
time. Like all forms of government, though
in Poland, providing
levels they are so clearly capable of.
it may be defended, democracy can never
and setting up mis-
And fourth, I will ask my counterparts in
be imposed. We believe in democracy-for
nvestment and joint
the West to support an early and generous
without doubt, though democracy may be a
ted States is propos-
rescheduling of Polish debt. This could pro-
dream deferred for many, it remains, in my
agreement that will
vide deferral of debt payments amounting
view, the destiny of man.
een Poland's grow-
to about $5 billion this year if our allies and
Two hundred years ago, democratic con-
tor and its American
friends in the Paris Club agree to join us in
stitutions were adopted by three nations,
e to conclude an
offering liberalized terms. I plan to discuss
embodying the powerful influence of the
d on what promises
this issue with my colleagues at the Paris
Enlightenment, as a testament to ideas that
opportunity.
summit.
endure. The American Constitution was
t and excitement in
Fifth, economic progress should not come
first and has stood the test of history for
what you're doing
at the expense of our common heritage, our
over 200 years of our existence as a repub-
923
Impromptu in F, was brought out in Warsaw in
1879.
Paderewski married in 1880. After his bride
died in childbirth in 1881, he went to Berlin for
further study. His wish to become a composer
was encouraged by the Russian pianist and com-
poser Anton Rubinstein. A chance meeting with
the famous Polish actress Helena Modjeska, who
thereafter assisted him financially, led to his tak-
ing lessons from Theodor Leschetizky in Vienna
between 1884 and 1887. His public debut as a
pianist was made in Vienna in 1887, in a recital
shared with the soprano Pauline Lucca.
Continuing to coach with Leschetizky, Pade-
rewski began his international career as a virtuo-
so with a recital at the Salle Érard, Paris, in
Padua's Basilica of Sc
March 1888 and was first heard in London in
with its golden dome:
May 1890. His New York debut in November
rets suggesting Byzc
1891 led to a series of more than 100 appearances
ences, shelters the t
throughout the United States. Extending his
saint, who died neo
tours to South America, South Africa, and Austra-
1231. Rising from the
lia, Paderewski soon became the most famous
the foreground is
pianist in the world. For a time his undistin-
equestrian statue of 1.
guished compositions, including his Piano Con-
military captain Erasm
certo in A Minor, won hearings because of his
HISTORICAL PICTURE SERVICE. CHICAGO
pianistic fame. Toward the end of the century.
Ignacy Paderewski, the foremost pianist of his day, was
he settled at Morges, on Lake Geneva in Switzer-
also a leader of the Polish independence movement.
land, and married for the second time.
Middle Years. In 1909, Paderewski was ap-
pointed director of the Warsaw Music Institute.
years to the upper Cretaceous and indicates a
but in 1914 he settled temporarily at Paso Ro-
much wider distribution than presently exists.
bles, Calif., though continuing to maintain his
The common name derives from the distinc-
home in Switzerland. During World War I he
tive spatula-like paddle that extends from the
donated the income from all his public appear-
Paderewski's p
snout. It is used to locate food, plankton and
ances to the aid of Polish war victims.
cratic and in his la
small crustaceans, which are filtered by the gill
Paderewski soon became the center of the
expressive than a
rakers as water is passed through the mouth.
movement for the restoration of Poland as a na-
any doubt of the
The paddle, a large pointed gill cover, and
tion. From 1918 to 1919, after his efforts for the
performance exerc
smooth, almost scaleless skin are unique fea-
establishment of a Polish state succeeded, he
members of which
tures. Other features are primitive. The short
represented his country in Washington, D.C. In
other pianists. H
intestine has a spiral valve like that of a shark.
1919 he became the first premier and foreign
rarely performed.
The upper lobe of the caudal fin is supported by
minister of the Republic of Poland and was a sig-
was once highly r
the vertebral column, and the skeleton is mostly
natory of the Versailles Treaty, but he had diffi-
Dresden in 1901,
cartilage.
culties with professional politicians and retired
Metropolitan Ope
Both species are large river fishes. The
from political life in 1920.
and later in Phil
American paddlefish averages 30 to 50 pounds
Later Years. In 1922, Paderewski resumed his
Chicago, and Balti
(14-23 kg). The record is 168 pounds (76 kg) for
career as an international virtuoso. Although his
the permanence 0
a fish slightly more than 6 feet (2 meters) in
physical powers had begun to fail he continued
one of his Humore
length. Growth to maturity is slow, taking seven
to play in public and was heard in the United
familiar Minuet ir
to eight years. Chinese paddlefish grow much
States as late as 1939. When Poland was invad-
In 1936, Pade
larger. The confirmed record is 12 feet (3.6 me-
ed at the opening of World War II, he joined the
picture The Mooi
ters), and there are unconfirmed reports of 20-
Polish government-in-exile in France and served
many recordings f
foot (6-meter) individuals. American paddlefish
as president of its parliament during 1940. He
the phonograph.
populations have declined in recent years be-
returned to the United States late that year in
tion of Frédéric
cause of dam construction and river pollution.
advanced ill health but continued his work for
1936-1938 by th
The paddlefish family, Polydontidae, is in the
Poland and the Allied cause. He died in Ne"
He received nume
subclass Chondrostei, class Actinopterygii.
York City on June 29, 1941, after a brief illness
degrees, and since
E. O. WILEY
and, by order of President Franklin D. Roose
States, and other
University of Kansas Museum of Natural History
velt, was buried in Arlington National Ceme-
stamps honoring I
tery.
PADEREWSKI, pä-de-ref'skê, Ignacy Jan (1860-
Estimate. Paderewski was a man of striking
1941), Polish musician, who was regarded as the
appearance and remarkable personal magnetism
leading pianist of his day and was an inspiration
The legends that grew up about him were fre" to
PADRE ISLAND, pi
for Polish nationalism.
quently out of all proportion to the facts and
Texas, on the coas:
Early Years. Ignacy (Ignace) Paderewski was
his artistic achievements. He earned a great for
born in Kurylowka, Podolia, Poland (now in the
tune and spent it lavishly-for example, present in
Island near the me
ing south from (
Ukrainian SSR), on Nov. 18, 1860. Because of
ting $50,000 to the Chopin Memorial Hall
separated by tide
his obvious musical talent, he had early training
Warsaw and donating $100,000 for the buildini
north it is about 1
at home, and he soon attracted the attention of
of a gigantic memorial statue of the medieva
1,400 feet (425 me
rich patrons, who enabled him to attend the War-
hero King Vladislav Jagiello at Krákow. He en
Madre now chan:
separated fr.
saw Music Institute. He was expelled in 1877
dowed several funds for fellowships to musi-
for insubordination but was readmitted and grad-
cians, including (1900) a $10,000 fund whose in
terway The isla
uated, remaining at the institute as an instructor
terest was awarded triennially to encourage
in piano. His first published composition, an
American composers.
theanorth and SO!
counties. County
192
was brought out in Warsaw
arried in 1880. After his bride
in 1881, he went to Berlin for
is wish to become a composer
'y the Russian pianist and com-
nstein. A chance meeting with
actress Helena Modjeska, who
1 him financially, led to his tak-
Theodor Leschetizky in Vienna
d 1887. His public debut as
in Vienna in 1887, in a recital
oprano Pauline Lucca.
coach with Leschetizky, Pade-
international career as a virtuo-
I at the Salle Érard, Paris,
Padua's Basilica of Antonio,
was first heard in London
with its golden domes and mina-
New York debut in Novembe
rets suggesting Byzantine influ-
es of more than 100 appearance
ences, shelters the tomb of the
United States. Extending his
saint, who died near Padua in
herica, South Africa, and Austra-
1231. Rising from the square in
soon became the most famous
the foreground is Donatello's
orld. For a time his undistin-
equestrian statue of the Venetian
tions, including his Piano Con->
military captain Erasmo da Narni.
r, won hearings because of his
Toward the end of the century,
ges, on Lake Geneva in Switzer-
d for the second time.
In 1909, Paderewski was
of the Warsaw Music Institute
settled temporarily at Paso Ro-
ugh continuing to maintain his
© RICATTO/SHOSTAL
rland. During World War
ome from all his public appear
Paderewski's playing was poetic and idiosyn-
mainland by a causeway. South Padre Beach is a
of Polish war victims.
cratic and in his later years was more personally
resort area.
soon became the center of the
expressive than accurate. But there never was
The central part of the island was designated
e restoration of Poland as a na-
any doubt of the sorcery that his presence and
the Padre Island National Seashore in 1962. Ad-
3 to 1919, after his efforts for the
performance exercised on vast audiences, many
ministered by the National Park Service, its
if a Polish state succeeded, he
members of which had never attended recitals by
133,919 acres (54,195 hectares) are notable for
country in Washington, D.C. In
other pianists. His compositions now are only
abundant bird and marine life.
e the first premier and foreign
rarely performed. However, his opera Manru
The island was named Isla Blanca by Alonso
Republic of Poland and was a sign
was once highly regarded. After its premiere at
de Piñeda, a Spanish explorer, who entered Braz-
rsailles Treaty, but he had diff5
Dresden in 1901, the opera was staged at the
os Santiago Pass in 1519. It was then inhabited
fessional politicians and retired
Metropolitan Opera House, New York, in 1902,
by the Karankawa Indians, and was later a pirate
fe in 1920.
and later in Philadelphia, Boston, Pittsburgh,
refuge. The name was changed to Isla del Padre
in 1922, Paderewski resumedihis
Chicago, and Baltimore. An exception regarding
for a priest, Father Nicholas Balli, who received
ernational virtuoso. Althoughihis
the permanence of his music must be made for
the island as a land grant from Spain in the late
had begun to fail he continued
one of his Humoresques de concert, the eternally
18th century.
ic and was heard in the United
familiar Minuet in G.
1939. When Poland was invad-
In 1936, Paderewski played in the motion
PADUA, pad'ū-e, a city and province in the region
ig of World War II, he joined the
picture The Moonlight Sonata. He also made
of Venetia in northeastern Italy. The city of Pad-
ent-in-exile in France and served
many recordings for both mechanical pianos and
ua (Italian, Padova) is situated on the Bacchi-
its parliament during 1940. He
the phonograph. He supervised a complete edi-
glione River, 22 miles (35 km) west of Venice.
United States late that year in
tion of Frédéric Chopin's works published in
Rich in history and art, Padua preserves much
alth but continued his work for
1936-1938 by the Chopin Institute, Warsaw.
from its glorious past, including great works of
Allied cause. He died in New
He received numerous decorations and honorary
art, medieval palaces, and the gilded domes of its
me 29, 1941, after a brief illness
degrees, and since his death Poland, the United
churches. Giotto and Donatello worked in Pad-
of President Franklin D. Roose
States, and other countries have issued postage
ua, Saint Anthony preached and died there, and
ed in Arlington National Ceme:
stamps honoring him.
Galileo taught at the university-the second old-
HERBERT WEINSTOCK
est in Italy after Bologna.
derewski was a man of striking
Coauthor of "Men of Music"
Economy. Padua vies with Verona as the most
1 remarkable personal magnetism,
important commercial center of Venetia, as Ven-
at grew up about him were fre
PADRE ISLAND, pä'drē, an island in southeastern
ice now is economically a shadow of its former
all proportion to the facts andito
Texas, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, extend-
evements. He earned a greation
self. Manufactures include foods and beverages,
ing south from Corpus Christi Bay to Brazos
agricultural machinery, bicycles and motorcy-
it lavishly-for example, presen.
Island near the mouth of the Rio Grande. When
cles, electrical goods, textiles, chemicals, and
0 the Chopin Memorial Hall-
separated by tides from Mustang Island to the
onating $100,000 for the building
plastics. The city also is the most important
north, it is about 110 miles (177 km) long. From
memorial statue of the medieval
communications node of the northeastern Po
1.400 feet (425 meters) to 4 miles (6.4 km) wide,
Plain. Major rail and motor arteries radiate to
lislav Jagiello at Krákow. Helen
it is separated from the mainland by Laguna
1 funds for fellowships to musi
Milan, Trieste, and Bologna. Secondary rail
Madre, now channeled for the Intracoastal Wa-
lines link Padua with Trento, Belluno, and other
g (1900) a $10,000 fund whos
ferway. The island forms part of five Texas
towns of the Venetian Alpine fringe to the north.
varded triennially to encourage
counties. County parks have been developed at
The Naviglio di Brenta is a canal connecting
posers.
the north and south ends, each joined to the
Padua with the Venice Lagoon.
193
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PRESIDENT'S TOAST AT THE STATE DINNER
The 1st Presidential working toast
July 10, 1989
Dinner
MR. PRESIDENT, MR. PRIME MINISTER, MEMBERS OF THE POLISH
DELEGATION, I APPRECIATE YOUR HOSPITALITY TONIGHT AND
THROUGHOUT MY STAY. I AM ESPECIALLY PLEASED TO BE HERE NOW,
BOTH BECAUSE I HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST IN POLAND AND BECAUSE I
HAVE WATCHED SOME REMARKABLE EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN YOUR
COUNTRY.
THIS IS THE FIRST VISIT OF A U.S. PRESIDENT TO POLAND IN
ALMOST TWELVE YEARS. IT IS NOT AN ORDINARY VISIT, FOR THESE
ARE NOT ORDINARY TIMES FOR POLAND. WHEN I WAS LAST HERE, IN
SEPTEMBER 1987, U.S.-POLISH RELATIONS HAD JUST EMERGED FROM A
LONG, CHILLY PERIOD.
OUR RELATIONS HAVE PROGRESSED VERY QUICKLY SINCE THEN.
PRESIDENT JARUZELSKI AND I COVERED A LOT OF ISSUES IN OUR
MEETINGS IN 1987 -- CULTURAL, COMMERCIAL, CONSULAR, SCIENTIFIC,
COMMUNICATION, COUNTERTERRORISM, HUMAN RIGHTS AND OTHERS -- AND
ON VIRTUALLY EVERY ISSUE BOTH GOVERNMENTS HAVE MADE CONCRETE
PROGRESS SINCE.
MR. PRESIDENT, THE REWARDS FOR SUCCESSFUL EFFORT ARE, AS
ALWAYS, MORE AND GREATER CHALLENGES. I RECALL THAT AS OUR
GOVERNMENTS PICKED UP THE PACE OF OFFICIAL DIALOGUE, THE POLISH
SIDE RAISED THE QUESTION OF SOMEHOW PROCEEDING TO A NEW
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2
State Jinner
STAGE OF RELATIONS. I THINK IT IS CLEAR THAT LIFE ITSELF HAS
BROUGHT RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND POLAND, AND
BETWEEN THE AMERICAN AND POLISH PEOPLES, TO A NEW AND
CHALLENGING STAGE.
POLAND IS ENTERING A NEW ERA. IT IS BEGINNING ONCE AGAIN
TO COMMAND ITS OWN HISTORY. POLISH ENERGY AND CREATIVITY ARE
BEING TAPPED. GREAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN ALREADY -- THE
NEGOTIATION OF THE REMARKABLE ROUNDTABLE ACCORDS, THE
LEGALIZATION OF SOLIDARITY, THE HOLDING OF FAIR ELECTIONS, THE
RESTORATION OF A FREELY-ELECTED POLISH SENATE -- AND MORE STEPS
WILL BE TAKEN ON THE ROAD AHEAD.
POLAND HAS SURPASSED THE EXPECTATIONS EVEN OF ITS FRIENDS.
AND WE RESPECT YOU FOR IT.
REFORM IS A DIFFICULT PROCESS, AS YOU WELL KNOW. THERE ARE
NEITHER EASY ANSWERS NOR COST-FREE SOLUTIONS. POLAND'S
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS ECONOMIC REFORM AND RECOVERY PLACES A
SPECIAL BURDEN ON POLES OF ALL POLITICAL VIEWS TO WORK TOGETHER
HONESTLY AND SERIOUSLY.
IT IS HARD. BUT POLAND CAN NOW BEGIN TO LOOK TO A FUTURE
OF HOPE, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, AND NOT RETURN TO
THE PATTERN OF DESPAIR.
I BELIEVE YOU WILL SUCCEED. I BELIEVE POLAND CAN FULFILL
THE PROMISE OF THE ROUNDTABLE ACCORDS, AND NEGOTIATION OF
DEMOCRATIC REFORM. I BELIEVE THE SPIRIT THAT PRODUCED THAT
CONSTITUTION OF MAY 3, 1791, A DOCUMENT CONTEMPORARY WITH OUR
OWN CONSTITUTION AS A FOUNDING CHARTER OF WESTERN LIBERTY,
LIVES ON IN WARSAW, IN KRAKOW, IN GDANSK.
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-3- 1 3 -
State Dinner
POLAND DOES NOT STAND ALONE IN THIS HISTORIC EFFORT. WE
WANT POLAND TO SUCCEED. WE WILL STAND WITH YOU AND HELP AS
BEST WE CAN. I HAVE OUTLINED FOR YOU WAYS IN WHICH THE UNITED
STATES CAN HELP POLAND HELP ITSELF. BOTH OUR GOVERNMENTS HAVE
A GOOD DEAL OF WORK TO DO.
MY GOVERNMENT WILL PROCEED FORWARD WITH PRUDENCE AND
REALISM, AS WE HAVE DONE so FAR, BUT WITH OUR EYES ON THE GREAT
TASKS THAT LIE AHEAD. OUR HEARTS, AS ALWAYS, WILL REMAIN
FILLED WITH THE ABIDING COMMITMENT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FEEL FOR
POLAND AND THE POLISH PEOPLE.
MR. PRESIDENT, MR. PRIME MINISTER, LET US LIFT OUR GLASSES
TO THE PROGRESS IN RELATIONS WE HAVE MADE, AND TO OUR
DETERMINATION TO PROCEED ON AN EVER ASCENDING PATH TOWARD
BETTER DAYS AND GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS STILL TO COME.
July 10 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
League began-a humble winner, a gra-
Olympics, I'm going to see some of you
cious loser, a man of self-discipline and
guys in the big leagues in the United States.
pride. And really, he became perhaps the
Good luck to you. All right, let's go over
most famous Polish-American athlete-Stan
there now. Who's the best pitcher out here?
Musial. And he put it very simply. He said:
[Laughter]
"My greatest thrill was just putting on my
uniform every day."
Note: The President spoke at 4:22 p.m. on
So, I just came on over to wish you well. I
the patio of the U.S. Ambassador's resi-
hope you feel the same way about baseball
dence. In his opening remarks, he referred
as Stan Musial did. And I just have a won-
to Creighton Hale, president of the U.S.
derful feeling that if I don't see you in the
Little League Foundation.
Toast at the State Dinner in Warsaw
July 10, 1989
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Prime Minister, and
beginning in Poland but for the beginning
members of the Polish delegation, thank
of Europe's reconciliation-for making
you for your hospitality tonight and
Europe whole and free and at peace with
throughout our stay. We are very pleased
itself. We want Poland to succeed in this
and honored to be here.
historic effort, and we have outlined ways
The American people have a special and
in which the United States can help Poland
enduring interest in Poland. And in recent
help itself. Both our governments have a
months, we have watched remarkable
great deal of work to do.
events unfold here. And so, this is not an
Our hearts, as always, will be filled with
ordinary visit, for in Poland these are not
the abiding commitment the American
ordinary times. When I was last here,
people feel for this land and for her people.
almost 2 years ago, our relations had just
You know, over the past 2 years, we have
emerged from a long, chilly period. But we
celebrated the 200th anniversary of the
have made great progress and covered
United States Constitution, and yet not
many issues: cultural, commercial, consular,
every American knows that a short time
scientific, communications, human rights,
later the world's second written constitution
and others.
was adopted by the Polish Parliament. And
Mr. Chairman, the rewards for successful
today I believe the spirit that produced the
effort are, as always, more and greater chal-
3d May Constitution lives in Warsaw, in
lenges. Poland is entering a new era; it is
Krakow, and in Gdansk. And my wish for
beginning once again to command its own
you is that 2 years from now, on the bicen-
destiny. Polish energy and creativity are
tennial of your Constitution, the Polish
being tapped, and great steps have been
people will have achieved the kind of politi-
taken already-the remarkable roundtable
cal transformation so long awaited, so long
accords, Solidarity's legalization, the holding
deferred.
of fair elections, the restoration of a freely
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Prime Minister, let us
elected Polish Senate. And more steps await
lift our glasses to the progress we have
on the road ahead. Poland has surpassed all
made in relations and to our determination
expectations, and we respect you for that.
to proceed toward the better days and
Reform is a difficult process, as you well
great achievements still to come. And may I
know. And there are neither easy answers
say in closing to you and Mrs. Jaruzelski,
nor cost-free solutions, but there is a sound
our heartfelt thanks for your superb hospi-
basis for hope. And today you have the
tality and the warmth of your welcome to
good will of an expectant and hopeful
me, to Barbara, and to all that are traveling
world. We see hope not only for a new
with me.
928
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Tast
PRESIDENT'S TOAST AT AMBASSADOR'S LUNCH
FOR THE INDEPENDENT INTELLECTUAL COMMUNITY
July 10, 1989
IT IS AN HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO BE WITH YOU HERE TODAY.
SOME OF US MET TWO YEARS AGO, IN WARSAW. HOW VERY MUCH HAS
CHANGED SINCE.
IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO BE IN POLAND IN THESE HOPEFUL TIMES.
AS YOU KNOW FAR BETTER THAN I, THIS IS A SINGULAR MOMENT IN
POLAND'S HISTORY, PERHAPS THE MOST PROFOUNDLY CHALLENGING YET
HOPEFUL PERIOD SINCE THAT TERRIBLE SUMMER FIFTY YEARS AGO.
POLAND HAS ALREADY MOVED BEYOND HISTORICAL PRECEDENT.
THERE ARE NO MODELS, NO RULES FOR THE TASK POLES ARE FACING so
COURAGEOUSLY -- THE BUILDING OF STABLE, DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL
AND MARKET-ORIENTED ECONOMIC STRUCTURES ON THE RUBBLE OF A
STALINIST PAST. POLAND IS AGAIN MAKING ITS OWN HISTORY,
BLAZING A TRAIL FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.
YOU, THE REPRESENTATIVES AND BUILDERS OF INDEPENDENT POLISH
SOCIETY, ARE LEADING THE WAY. YOU ARE NOT DOING IT ALONE --
YOU HAVE COUNTERPARTS IN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PARTY -- - BUT,
WITHOUT YOU, IT WOULD NOT BE HAPPENING; THEREFORE, YOU ARE
MAKING IT HAPPEN. IF THIS CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS SUCCEEDS, AS
IT MUST, YOU WILL BE THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF A NEW POLAND AND,
I BELIEVE, A NEW EUROPE.
MY COUNTRY AND THE WORLD ARE INSPIRED BY POLAND'S SINGULAR
SUCCESS AT THE ROUNDTABLE AND BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
ROUNDTABLE'S PROVISIONS.
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intellectuals
lunch
-2-
WE ARE ALSO AWARE OF THE VAST DIFFICULTIES THAT LIE BEFORE
YOU. WE UNDERSTAND THE ECONOMIC PRESSURES THAT OVERHANG THIS
PROCESS. WE UNDERSTAND THE DEPTH OF MISTRUST, FEAR AND
CYNICISM THAT HAVE so POLARIZED POLISH SOCIETY AND MAKE THE
TASK OF POLITICAL COMPROMISE AND ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING so
DIFFICULT. WE KNOW, AS YOU KNOW, THAT THERE IS NO WAY OTHER
THAN THE HARD, EVEN PAINFUL ROAD TO ECONOMIC REFORM AND
RECOVERY. BUT WE DO NOT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THE UNITED STATES WILL STAND WITH
POLAND, DOING WHAT WE CAN TO SUPPORT POLAND'S HOPEFUL
EXPERIMENT, UNPARALLELED IN THE HISTORY OF OUR TROUBLED CENTURY.
WITH DEEP RESPECT FOR YOU, FOR SOLIDARITY, FOR THE
ROUNDTABLE PROCESS: WITH ADMIRATION FOR THE RESILIENCY AND
GENIUS NOW BEING EXHIBITED BY POLISH SOCIETY; WITH HOPES FOR
THE FUTURE, I LIFT MY GLASS TO THE NATION AND PEOPLE OF POLAND.
July 9 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
Jaruzelski, Chairman of Poland's Council of
and Mrs. Bush went to the Parkowa Guest
State. Following his remarks, the President
House.
Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting
With Polish Chairman Wojciech Jaruzelski in Warsaw
July 10, 1989
President Bush and General Jaruzelski
chowski amplified these same themes. Sec-
talked for more than 2 hours this morning,
retary Baker referred to the close and his-
from 9:45 to 12:05, and discussed a full
range of bilateral and international issues.
toric bonds between the two peoples. The
Secretary outlined in some detail the Presi-
President Bush outlined the economic pro-
dent's economic incentives. The two Minis-
gram [proposals] that he will make to the
Polish Parliament this afternoon. The Presi-
ters discussed the full range of bilateral
dent also discussed his conventional arms
issues, including increased dialog between
proposal made at the NATO summit. Gen-
U.S. and Polish officials, technical and scien-
eral Jaruzelski said the Warsaw Pact ap-
tific exchanges, trade increases, environ-
plauded the President's proposal and felt
mental improvements, international fishing
the timetable was achievable. General Jaru-
clarifications, and various economic pros-
zelski spent a good deal of the time discuss-
pects. President Bush felt the meeting was
ing the internal political situation in Poland.
quite productive and friendly.
President Bush reiterated the United States
desire to be helpful in Poland's reform ef-
Note: At their meeting at Belweder Palace,
forts without being intrusive.
the President and Chairman Jaruzelski
In the plenary session, Secretary of State
signed agreements rescheduling Poland's
Baker and Poland's Foreign Minister Ole-
debt payments.
Toasts at a Luncheon at the United States Ambassador's Residence
in Warsaw
July 10, 1989
The President. First, my thanks to our
But look, we are also aware of the many
host and hostess, our able Ambassador and
difficulties and the economic pressures that
his wife, for this informal, lovely luncheon.
lie ahead. And your challenge is to rise
It's an honor and privilege to be with you
above the mistrust, to bring the Polish
here today.
people together for a common purpose.
Some of us met 2 years ago in Warsaw,
The United States will stand with Poland;
and so much has changed. These are hope-
we will support Poland's hopeful mission,
ful times for Poland. It's a special moment
unparalleled in your history.
in Poland's history, perhaps the most pro-
And so, with deep respect for you, Mr.
foundly challenging period in many dec-
Chairman, and your colleagues and for Soli-
ades. I told Chairman Jaruzelski this morn-
darity and for the roundtable process and
ing that my country and the world are in-
for.all the guests at this luncheon that made
spired by Poland's success at the roundtable
that process work, I would like to lift my
and by the implementation of the roundta-
glass-if I can find it-[laughter]-to the
ble's provisions. And I hope you've noticed
Nation and the people of Poland.
that today we are all sitting at round tables.
Chairman Jaruzelski. Mr. President, Mrs.
[Laughter]
Bush, Mr. Ambassador, Mrs. Davis, let me,
918
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / July 10
t to the Parkowa Guest
first of all, thank you very much for this
this house. And even though at that time
nice hospitality and for the fact that we
we heard words of hope, I believe that
could meet in this beautiful scenery and
none of us at that time expected that we
have this excellent lunch.
would meet in 2 years in a situation like the
esident's Meeting
I have been taken by surprise by your
present. Poland is still divided, but it's possi-
aw
President with the offer to come and speak
ble that what's taking place right now is
to you. So, let me just share with you a few
actually taking place, that together we have
loose observations. But I consider as a sig-
the representatives of Solidarity, of the op-
nificant fact that it is here at the residence
position, and of the authorities. We feel that
nese same themes. Sec-
of the U.S. Ambassador we could meet in
what's happening now, what's taking
d to the close and his-
such a pluralistic company. What is more,
place-the political and economic reform,
1 the two peoples: The
we were able to meet in a friendly atmos-
all of that, is in the interest of Poland, not
1 some detail the Presi-
phere, and I believe we have felt well to-
just one particular side. And at moments
entives. The two Minis-
gether.
full range of bilateral
One other personal reflection for me: I
like these, we think of the Founding Fa-
live perhaps 50 or 80 meters away from
thers of the United States, whose message
reased dialog between
ials, technical and scien-
here for 16 years, and it is for the first time
about freedom has not lost any of its cur-
that I have come to this building and this
rent significance.
de increases, environ-
residence. [Laughter] I think it is also a sign
First of all and above all, we seek under-
ts, international fishing
arious economic pros-
of time, and I and Mrs. Jaruzelski doubly
standing for what is happening in our coun-
appreciate this meeting.
try. The future of Polish reforms depends
sh felt the meeting was
Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind
on Poles alone. We do not expect that they
friendly.
and well-wishing words. I value very highly
will be carried at somebody else's cost or by
these long conversations today with you. I
others' hands. But we believe that these re-
ng at Belweder Palace,
believe they allowed us to better come to
forms will be understood the world over as
Chairman Jaruzelski
know each other and better understand
serving the whole world: serving the pur-
rescheduling Poland's
each other, and I have no doubt that it will
poses of not only Poland but also of Czecho-
benefit the cooperation and friendship be-
slovakia and Hungary and the interests of
tween our two countries and people.
that part of the world and the whole world
Once again, thank you very much for this
itself.
meeting today, and I wish you all the best. I
And in this house, the house of Helen and
dor's Residence
know that the important person in this
John Davis, who have done so much for the
company according to the protocol is the
Polish cause, let me say that this is exactly
U.S. President, but may I be allowed to
what we expected from the President of
fracture the protocol and follow the old
the United States. The words he uttered,
Polish tradition of offering to everybody to
that the United States will support the re-
also aware of the many
raise our glasses to the good health of Bar-
forms taking place in Poland, are the words
:conomic pressures that
bara Bush and all the ladies present with us
that we were hoping for. And for that, let
r challenge is to rise
here today.
me propose a toast to the President of the
to bring the Polish
Mr. Geremek. Mr. President of the United
United States and the United States of
States and Mr. Chairman, even this very
America.
r a common purpose.
will stand with Poland;
beginning tells us of what Poland stands for
land's hopeful mission,
now. A man from Solidarity, a member of
Note: The President spoke at 1:15 p.m. on
history.
Solidarity, I, who have been in this house
the patio of the U.S. Ambassador's resi-
? respect for you, Mr.
several times in the past-even though I
dence. In his remarks, he referred to Am-
don't live that far from it-I can admit and
colleagues and for Soli-
bassador and Mrs. John R. Davis, Jr.; Woj-
oundtable process and
say openly that something new is arising,
ciech Jaruzelski, Chairman of Poland's
his luncheon that made
emerging, in the ties between Poland and
Council of State; and Bronislaw Geremek,
the United States.
would like to lift my
parliamentary opposition leader and a
it-{laughter}-to the
Roughly 2 years ago, the Vice President
senior adviser for Solidarity. A tape was not
of the United States and Mrs. Barbara Bush
le of Poland.
available for verification of the contents of
ki. Mr. President, Mrs.
talked with members of Solidarity right in
the remarks.
or, Mrs. Davis, let me,
919
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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
BUREAU OF EUROPEAN AND
CANADIAN AFFAIRS
FACSIMILE NUMBER (202) 647-0555
DELIVER TO: 456-6218 WH GaryGershowtz
(FAX NUMBER)
(AGENCY)
(NAME)
OFF EX.
MESSAGE
DESCRIPTION
July 10, 1989 Pres Visit to Poland:
Arrival Strit, 2 toasts
Foreword from 3rdof May Constitution Gooklet
FROM: 647-0555 (FAX NUMBER) (ROOM 5220 NUMBER) E.Conway (NAME) (OFFICE 647-1070 EXT.)
REMARKS: Please let me know of you need
anything tomorrow else I'll call Polish Emb
PAGE
1 OF 11 PAGES (INCLUDING COVER PAGE)
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647-1099(x3037)
state Dept library
UNITED STATES
A Eliana HOIMES,
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
BUREAU OF EUROPEAN AND
Librarian at
CANADIAN AFFAIRS
state:x3037
FACSIMILE NUMBER (202) 647-0555
DELIVER TO: 456-6218
WH
(FAX NUMBER)
(AGENCY)
Gany (NAME) Gershowitz OFF EX. 7750
MESSAGE
DESCRIPTION
Relevant dates around July 5
FROM: 647-0555 (FAX NUMBER) : (ROOM 5220 NUMBER) E.Conway (NAME) (OFFICE 647-1070 EXT.)
REMARKS: / I spoke to Mr. Jarecki. Three significant dates :
Pope John Paul II. He addressed crowds in Warsaw,
June 2-10, 1979. First visit of Onewly elected
PAGE
(oF/. PAGES (INCLUDING COVER PAGE)
Soldiers refused
claiming Poland is a "special case/experiment "in Eligge.
fire on
troops Job Doe
against communist regime! Workers wanted and Fieldom" Bread tias
MARIA associated with Paderewski) : 1st strike's /confrante-
June 28.1956 "Black Thursday in Poznañ (acity
squity
3
Late June 1989. Parliamentary elections
Natershed
following "roundtable agreement between
your in
Opolish
Solidarly and government First "free" elections
(communists were guaranteed 2/3 of seats in Lower
history (1956)
lower house). Breakthrough elections
won 99 of 100 Sexate seas and 1/3 of seats in
house All senate seats freely elected - Solidarity
SIGNIFICANT DATES IN POLAND AROUND JULY 5
1.
June 2-10, 1979: first visit of newly-elected Pope John
Paul, II. He addressed crowds in Warsaw, claiming Poland is
a "special case/experiment" in Europe.
2.
June 28, 1956 -- Black Thursday -- in Poznán (a city
associated with Paderewski) -- 1st strike/confrontation (of
workers) against Communist regime: known primarily as "food
riots." Workers demanded "bread and freedom" -- free
elections -- soldiers would not fire on their fellow
countrymen, so the regime sent in special security troops to
put down the strike. 1956 is considered an important year
because that was the end of Stalinism, 1st time workers
rebelled against Communist regime.
3.
Late June 1989 Parliamentary Elections following
"roundtable agreement" between Solidarity and government
first "free" elections communists were guaranteed 2/3 of
seats in Lower House. All Senate Seats freely elected
Solidarity won 99 of 100 Senate Seats and free 1/3 of seats
in Lower House. Considered breakthrough elections.
-Provided by Ellen Conway,
East European Desk (Poland)
State Department/202-647-1070
AMBASADA
RZECZYPOSPOLITEJ POLSKIEJ
W WASZYNGTONIE
I
EMBASSY
FAX TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET
OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND
2640 . 16TH STREET. N.W.
Date: June 25,1992
Pages: 1
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20009
TELEPHONE /202/ 234-3800
Fax No: 456-6218
FAX /202/ 328-6271
To: Mr. Gary Gershovitz, White House, , Research Office
From: Andrzej Jarecki, Counselor for Cultural Affairs
Message: Pope John Paul II
11
I. am invoking the name and word
"Solidarity" because it has always made part of the social doctrine
of the Church. It was in its spirit that the Fathers (of the Church) a
theologians have spoken. It has inspired the social encyclicals of the
last one hundred years, as well as the teachings of both Popes of our
time - John and Paul - including Pope John's Pacem in terris.
Solidarity must take priority over struggle. Then the humanity will
be able to survive. And every nation within the great human family will
be able to survive. For what does Solidarity mean? It signifies the
manner of existence (e.g. of a nation) within the human diversity, in
unity, and in respect for all differences and dissimilarities which
mark human beings; the existence, that is, in unity in diversity; all
these things are ineherent in the concept of solidarity. It signifies
the manner of existence of a human plurality - whether smaller or
bigger - that of the whole humanity, and of any separate nation's
existence in the unity behooving man's dignity.
"Solidarity, as I said, has to take priority over never struggle. I would
add: solidarity also generates struggle. But it is Menor the strugg)
against others; it neither treats others as enemies, nor seeks to de
them. It is the struggle for man, for his rights and his true advance-
ment; it 18 the struggle for a more mature form of human life. For
then does man's existence on earth becomes more humane" when it
is governed by truth, freedom, justice and by love."
100
06/25/92 18:57 @202 328 6271
PLEASE NOTE;
OUTLINED HEREWITH IS POPE JOHN PAUL'S STATEMENTS
ON THE EVENTS OF 1989 . THIS IS TAKEN FROM HIS SOCIAL ENCYCLICAL
CHAPTER THREE
"CENTESIMUS ANNUS VATICAN MAY 1, 1991" THE QUOTES ARE FROM
IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION OR HELP, PLEASE FELL FREE TO CALL:
REV. PHILIP S. MAJKA 703 347-2926
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH
271 WINCHESTER STREET
WARRENTON, VIRGINIA 22186
John Paul II/Social Encyclical
Centesimus Annus
"The historical experience of the
ship. Of the church, he writes: "Her
West shows that even if the Marxist
contribution to the political order is
CONTENTS OF
analysis and its foundation of alienation
precisely her vision of the dignity of the
THIS ISSUE:
are false, nevertheless alienation - and
person revealed in all its fullness in the
*"Centesimus Annus":
the loss of the authentic meaning of life
mystery of the incarnate Word. The text
Encyclical on the 100th
Anniversary of "Rerum
- is a reality in Western societies too,"
of the encyclical follows.
Novarum,' by Pope John
writes Pope John Paul II in his ninth en-
Paul II, p. 1;
cyclical, titled "Centesimus Annus"
Introduction
*On File, p. 2;
*Datebook, p. 2.
("The 100th Year"). The encyclical was
1. The centenary of the prom-
issued for the centenary of Pope Leo
ulgation of the encyclical which begins
XIII's social encyclical "Rerum
with the words "rerum novarum," by
Novarum. The encyclical, made public
my predecessor of venerable memory
May 2, is written in the wake of com-
Pope Leo XIII, is an occasion of great
munism's collapse in Eastern Europe and
importance for the present history of
looks to the new things ("rerum
the church and for my own pon-
novarum") today influencing the social
tificate. It is an encyclical that has the
order. The pope examines strengths and
weaknesses of different forms of
distinction of having been com-
capitalism and the free market, and he
memorated by solemn papal
takes up such themes as work, unions and
documents from its 40th anniversary
wages, unemployment, profit, atheism,
to its 90th. It may be said that its path
class struggle, freedom and private pro-
through history has been marked by
perty. Modern times are witnessing a new
other documents which paid tribute to
form of ownership, the pope writes: "the
it and applied it to the circumstances
possession of know-how, technology and
of the day.2
skill. The poor, in addition to lacking
In doing likewise for the 100th
material goods, now lack "knowledge and
anniversary, in response to requests
training, which prevents them from escap-
from many bishops, church institu-
ing their state of humiliating subjection.'
tions and study centers as well as
Human work, he states, "is becoming in-
business leaders and workers, both in-
creasingly important as the productive
factor both of non-material and material
dividually and as members of associa-
wealth. The pope insists that the human
tions, I wish first and foremost to
person cannot be understood "on the
satisfy the debt of gratitude which the
basis of economics alone" or defined
"simply on the basis of class member-
(continued on page 3)
MAY 16, 1991
VOL. 21: NO. 1
CMS documentary service
more skilled and productive, as well as
the numerous efforts to which Chris-
own time when other forms of injustice
careful controls and adequate legislative
tians made a notable contribution in
are fueling new hatreds and when new
measures to block shameful forms of ex-
establishing producers', consumers' and
ideologies which exalt violence are ap-
ploitation, especially to the disadvantage
credit cooperatives, in promoting
pearing on the horizon.
of the most vulnerable workers, of im-
general education and professional
18. While it is true that since 1945
migrants and of those on the margins of
training, in experimenting with various
weapons have been silent on the Euro-
society. The role of trade unions in
forms of participation in the life of the
pean continent, it must be remembered
negotiating minimum salaries and work-
workplace and in the life of society in
that true peace is never simply the result
ing conditions is decisive in this area.
general.
of military victory, but rather implies
Finally, "humane" working
Thus as we look at the past there
both the removal of the causes of war
hours and adequate free time need to be
is good reason to thank God that the
and genuine reconciliation between
guaranteed as well as the right to express
great encyclical was not without an echo
peoples. For many years there has been
one's own personality at the workplace
in human hearts and indeed led to a
in Europe and the world a situation of
without suffering any affront to one's
generous response on the practical level.
non-war rather than genuine peace. Half
conscience or personal dignity. This is
Still, we must acknowledge that its pro-
of the continent fell under the domina-
the place to mention once more the role
phetic message was not fully accepted by
tion of a communist dictatorship, while
of trade unions, not only in negotiating
people at the time. Precisely for this
the other half organized itself in defense
contracts, but also as "places" where
reason there ensued some very serious
against this threat. Many peoples lost
workers can express themselves. They
tragedies.
the ability to control their own destiny
serve the development of an authentic
17. Reading the encyclical within
and were enclosed within the suffocating
culture of work and help workers to
the context of Pope Leo's whole
boundaries of an empire in which efforts
share in a fully human way in the life
magisterium,⁴⁷ we see how it points
were made to destroy their historical
of their place of employment.44
essentially to the socioeconomic conse-
memory and the centuries-old roots of
The state must contribute to the
quences of an error which has even
their culture. As a result of this violent
achievement of these goals both direct-
greater implications. As has been men-
division of Europe, enormous masses of
ly and indirectly. Indirectly and accord-
tioned, this error consists in an
people were compelled to leave their
ing to the principle of subsidiarity, by
understanding of human freedom which
homeland or were forcibly deported.
creating favorable conditions for the
detaches it from obedience to the truth
An insane arms race swallowed
free exercise of economic activity, which
and consequently from the duty to
up the resources needed for the develop-
will lead to abundant opportunities for
respect the rights of others. The essence
ment of national economies and for
employment and sources of wealth.
of freedom then becomes self-love car-
assistance to the less-developed nations.
Directly and according to the principle
ried to the point of contempt for God
Scientific and technological progress,
of solidarity, by defending the weakest
and neighbor, a self-love which leads to
which should have contributed to man's
by placing certain limits on the
an unbridled affirmation of self-interest
well-being, was transformed into an in-
autonomy of the parties who determine
and which refuses to be limited by any
strument of war: Science and technology
working conditions and by ensuring in
demand of justice.⁴
were directed to the production of ever
every case the necessary minimum sup-
This very error had extreme con-
more efficient and destructive weapons.
port for the unemployed worker.
sequences in the tragic series of wars
Meanwhile, an ideology, a perversion of
The encyclical and the related
which ravaged Europe and the world
authentic philosophy, was called upon
social teaching of the church had far-
between 1914 and 1945. Some of these
to provide doctrinal justification for the
reaching influence in the years bridging
resulted from militarism and exag-
new war. And this war was not simply
the 19th and 20th centuries. This in-
gerated nationalism, and from related
expected and prepared for, but was ac-
fluence is evident in the numerous
forms of totalitarianism; some derived
tually fought with enormous bloodshed
reforms which were introduced in the
from the class struggle; still others were
in various parts of the world. The logic
areas of social security, pensions, health
civil wars or wars of an ideological
of power blocs or empires, denounced
insurance and compensation in the case
nature. Without the terrible burden of
in various church documents and recent-
of accidents, within the framework of
hatred and resentment which had built
ly in the encyclical Sollicitudo Rei
greater respect for the rights of
up as a result of so many injustices both
Socialis, 50 led to a situation in which
workers.46
on the international level and within in-
controversies and disagreements among
16. These reforms were carried
dividual states, such cruel wars would
Third World countries were
out in part by states, but in the struggle
not have been possible in which great
systematically aggravated and exploited
to achieve them the role of the workers'
nations invested their energies and in
in order to create difficulties for the
movement was an important one. This
which there was no hesitation to violate
adversary.
movement, which began as a response
the most sacred human rights, with the
Extremist groups, seeking to
of moral conscience to unjust and harm-
extermination of entire peoples and
resolve such controversies through the
ful situations, conducted a widespread
social groups being planned and carried
use of arms, found ready political and
campaign for reform far removed from
out. Here we recall the Jewish people in
military support and were equipped and
vague ideology and closer to the daily
particular, whose terrible fate has
trained for war; those who tried to find
needs of workers. In this context its ef-
become a symbol of the aberration of
peaceful and humane solutions, with
forts were often joined to those of
which man is capable when he turns
respect for the legitimate interests of all
Christians in order to improve workers'
against God.
parties, remained isolated and often fell
living conditions. Later on this move-
However, it is only-when hatred
victim to their opponents. In addition,
ment was dominated to a certain extent
and injustice are sanctioned and
the precariousness of the peace which
by the Marxist ideology against which
organized by the ideologies based on
followed World War II was one of the
Rerum Novarum had spoken.
them, rather than on the truth about
principal causes of the militarization of
These same reforms were also
man, that they take possession of entire
many Third World countries and the
partly the result of an open process by
nations and drive them to act. Rerum
fratricidal conflicts which afflicted them
which society organized itself through
Novarum opposed ideologies of hatred
as well as of the spread of terrorism and
the establishment of effective in-
and showed how violence and resent-
of increasingly barbaric means of
struments of solidarity which were
ment could be overcome by justice. May
political and military conflict.
capable of sustaining an economic
the memory of those terrible events
Moreover, the whole world was oppress-
growth more respectful of the values of
guide the actions of everyone, par-
ed by the threat of an atomic war
the person. Here we should remember
ticularly the leaders of nations in our
capable of leading to the extinction of
humanity. Science used for military pur-
freedom and values of the person, the
take shape in ways that differ from case
poses had placed this decisive instrument
very things for whose sake it is necessary
to case.
at the disposal of hatred strengthened by
to oppose communism.
21. Last, it should be
ideology. But if war can end without
Another kind of response, prac-
remembered that after World War II
winners or losers in a suicide of humani-
tical in nature, is represented by the af-
and in reaction to its horrors, there arose
ty, then we must repudiate the logic
fluent society or the consumer society.
a more lively sense of human rights,
which leads to it: the idea that the ef-
It seeks to defeat Marxism on the level
which found recognition in a number of
fort to destroy the enemy, confrontation
of pure materialism by showing how a
international documents and, one
and war itself are factors of progress
free-market society can achieve a greater
might say, in the drawing up of a new
and historical advancement. 51 When the
satisfaction of material human needs
"right of nations," to which the Holy
need for this repudiation is understood,
than communism, while equally ex-
See has constantly contributed. The
the concepts of "total war" and class
cluding spiritual values. In reality, while
focal point of this evolution has been the
struggle" must necessarily be called in-
on the one hand it is true that this social
United Nations. Not only has there been
to question.
model shows the failure of Marxism to
a development in awareness of the rights
19. At the end of World War II,
contribute to a humane and better socie-
of individuals, but also in awareness of
however, such a development was still
ty, on the other hand, insofar as it
the rights of nations as well as a clearer
being formed in people's consciences.
denies an autonomous existence and
realization of the need to act in order to
What received attention was the spread
value to morality, law, culture and
remedy the grave imbalances that exist
of communist totalitarianism over more
religion, it agrees with Marxism in the
between the various geographical areas
than half of Europe and over other parts
sense that it totally reduces man to the
of the world. In a certain sense these im-
of the world. The war, which should
sphere of economics and the satisfaction
balances have shifted the center of the
have re-established freedom and restored
of material needs.
social question from the national to the
the rights of nations, ended without hav-
international level. 53
ing attained these goals. Indeed, in a
"Trade unions
serve
While noting this process with
way, for many peoples, expecially those
the development of an
satisfaction, nevertheless one cannot ig-
which had suffered most during the war,
nore the fact that the overall balance of
it openly contradicted these goals. It may
authentic culture of work
the various policies of aid for develop-
be said that the situation which arose has
and help workers to share in
ment has not always been positive. The
evoked different responses.
United Nations, moreover, has not yet
Following the destruction caus-
a fully human way in the life
succeeded in establishing as alternatives
ed by the war, we see in some countries
of their place of employ-
to war effective means for the resolution
and under certain aspects a positive ef-
of international conflicts. This seems to
fort to rebuild a democratic society in-
ment."
be the most urgent problem which the in-
spired by social justice, so as to deprive
ternational community has yet to resolve.
communism of the revolutionary poten-
20. During the same period, a
tial represented by masses of people sub-
widespread process of "decolonization"
CHAPTER 3
jected to exploitation and oppression. In
occurred by which many countries gain-
The Year 1989
general, such attempts to endeavor to
ed or regained their independence and
22. It is on the basis of the world
preserve free-market mechanisms, en-
the right freely to determine their own
situation just described and already
suring by means of a stable currency and
destiny. With the formal reacquisition
elaborated in the encyclical Sollicitudo
the harmony of social relations the con-
of state sovereignty, however, these
Rei Socialis that the unexpected and
ditions for steady and healthy economic
countries often find themselves merely
promising significance of the events of
growth in which people through their
at the beginning of the journey toward
recent years can be understood.
own work can build a better future for
the construction of genuine in-
Although they certainly reached their
themselves and their families. At the
dependence. Decisive sectors of the
climax in 1989 in the countries of Cen-
same time, these attempts try to avoid
economy still remain de facto in the
tral and Eastern Europe, they embrace
making market mechanisms the only
hands of large foreign companies which
a longer period of time and a wider
point of reference for social life, and
are unwilling to commit themselves to
geographical area. In the course of the
they tend to subject them to public con-
the long-term development of the host
'80s, certain dictatorial and oppressive
trol, which upholds the principle of the
country. Political life itself is controll-
regimes fell one by one in some coun-
common destination of material goods.
ed by foreign powers, while within the
tries of Latin America and also of
In this context, an abundance of work
national boundaries there are tribal
Africa and Asia. In other cases there
opportunities, a solid system of social
groups not yet amalgamated into a gen-
began a difficult but productive transi-
security and professional training, the
uine national community. Also lacking
tion toward more participatory and
freedom to join trade unions and the ef-
is a class of competent professional peo-
more just political structures. An impor-
fective action of unions, the assistance
ple capable of running the state ap-
tant, even decisive, contribution was
provided in cases of unemployment, the
paratus in an honest and just way nor
made by the church's commitment to
opportunities for democratic participa-
are there qualified personnel for manag-
defend and promote human rights. In
tion in the life of society - all these are
ing the economy in an efficient and
situations strongly influenced by
meant to deliver work from the mere
responsible manner.
ideology, in which polarization obscured
condition of "a commodity' and to
Given this situation, many think
the awareness of a human dignity com-
guarantee its dignity.
that Marxism can offer a sort of short-
mon to all, the church affirmed clearly
Then there are the other social
cut for building up the nation and the
and forcefully that every individual -
forces and ideological movements which
state; thus many variants of socialism
whatever his or her personal convictions
oppose Marxism by setting up systems
emerge with specific national
- bears the image of God and therefore
of "national security" aimed at con-
characteristics. Legitimate demands for
deserves respect. Often the vast majori-
trolling the whole of society in a
national recovery, forms of nationalism
ty of people identified themselves with
systematic way in order to make Marx-
and also of militarism, principles drawn
this kind of affirmation, and this led to
ist infiltration impossible. By emphasiz-
from ancient popular traditions (which
a search for forms of protest and for
ing and increasing the power of the
are sometimes in harmony with Chris-
political solutions more respectful of the
state, they wish to protect their people
tian social doctrine) and Marxist-
dignity of the person.
from communism, but in doing so they
Leninist concepts and ideas all these
From this historical process new
run the grave risk of destroying the
mingle in the many ideologies which
forms of democracy have emerged
9
which offer a hope for change in fragile
hearts amid difficult trials, and I pray
carries the human heart in his hands. It
political and social structures weighed
that this example will prevail in other
is by uniting his own sufferings for the
down by a painful series of injustices
places and other circumstances. May
sake of truth and freedom to the suffer-
and resentments as well as by a heavily
people learn to fight-for justice without
ings of Christ on the cross that man is
damaged economy and serious social
violence, renouncing class struggle in
able to accomplish the miracle of peace
conflicts. Together with the whole
their internal disputes and war in inter-
and is in a position to discern the often
church, I thank God for the often heroic
national ones.
narrow path between the cowardice
witness borne in such difficult cir-
24. The second factor in the crisis
which gives in to evil and the violence
cumstances by many pastors, entire
was certainly the inefficiency of the
which, under the illusion of fighting evil,
Christian communities, individual
economic system, which is not to be con-
only makes it worse.
members of the faithful and other peo-
sidered simply as a technical problem,
Nevertheless, it cannot be forgot-
ple of good will; at the same time I pray
but rather a consequence of the viola-
ten that the manner in which the in-
that he will sustain the efforts being
tion of the human rights to private in-
dividual exercises his freedom is condi-
made by everyone to build a better
itiative, to ownership of property and to
tioned in innumerable ways. While these
future. This is, in fact, a responsibility
freedom in the economic sector. To this
certainly have an influence on freedom,
which falls not only to the citizens of the
must be added the cultural and national
they do not determine it; they make the
countries in question, but to all Chris-
dimension: It is not possible to under-
exercise of freedom more difficult or less
tians and people of good will. It is a
stand man on the basis of economics
difficult, but they cannot destroy it. Not
question of showing that the complex
alone nor to define him simply on the
only is it wrong from the ethical point
problems faced by those peoples can be
basis of class membership. Man is
of view to disregard human nature,
resolved through dialogue and solidari-
understood in a more complete way
which is made for freedom, but in prac-
ty rather than by a struggle to destroy
when he is situated within the sphere of
tice it is impossible to do so. Where
the enemy through war.
culture through his language, history
society is so organized as to reduce ar-
23. Among the many factors in-
and the position he takes toward the
bitrarily or even suppress the sphere in
volved in the fall of oppressive regimes,
fundamental events of life such as birth,
which freedom is legitimately exercised,
some deserve special mention. Certain-
love, work and death. At the heart of
the result is that the life of society
ly the decisive factor which gave rise to
every culture lies the attitude man takes
becomes progressively disorganized and
the changes was the violation of the
to the greatest mystery: the mystery of
goes into decline.
rights of workers. It cannot be forgot-
God. Different cultures are basically dif-
Moreover, man, who was created
ten that the fundamental crisis of
ferent ways of facing the question of the
for freedom, bears within himself the
systems claiming to express the rule and
meaning of personal existence. When
wound of original sin, which constant-
indeed the dictatorship of the working
this question is eliminated, the culture
ly draws him toward evil and puts him
class began with the great upheavals
and moral life of nations are corrupted.
in need of redemption. Not only is this
which took place in Poland in the name
For this reason the struggle to defend
doctrine an integral part of Christian
of solidarity. It was the throngs of work-
work was spontaneously linked to the
revelation, it also has great
ing people which foreswore the ideology
struggle for culture and for national
hermeneutical value insofar as it helps
which presumed to speak in their name.
rights.
one to understand human reality. Man
On the basis of a hard, lived experience
But the true cause of the new
tends toward good, but he is also
of work and of oppression, it was they
developments was the spiritual void
capable of evil. He can transcend his im-
who recovered and in a sense
brought about by atheism, which
mediate interest and still remain bound
rediscovered the content and principles
deprived the younger generations of a
to it. The social order will be all the
of the church's social doctrine.
sense of direction and in many cases led
more stable, the more it takes this fact
Also worthy of emphasis is the
them, in the irrepressible search for per-
into account and does not place in op-
fact that the fall of this kind of "bloc"
sonal identity and for the meaning of
position personal interest and the in-
or empire was accomplished almost
life, to rediscover the religious roots of
terests of society as a whole, but rather
everywhere by means of peaceful pro-
their national cultures and to rediscover
seeks ways to bring them into fruitful
test, using only the weapons of truth and
the person of Christ himself as the ex-
harmony. In fact, where self-interest is
justice. While Marxism held that only
istentially adequate response to the
violently suppressed, it is replaced by a
by exacerbating social conflicts was it
desire in every human heart for
burdensome system of bureaucratic con-
possible to resolve them through violent
goodness, truth and life. This search was
trol which dries up the wellsprings of in-
confrontation, the protests which led to
supported by the witness of those who
itiative and creativity. When people
the collapse of Marxism tenaciously in-
in difficult circumstances and under
think they possess the secret of a perfect
sisted on trying every avenue of negotia-
persecution remained faithful to God.
social organization which makes evil im-
tion, dialogue and witness to the truth,
Marxism had promised to uproot the
possible, they also think that they can
appealing to the conscience of the adver-
need for God from the human heart, but
use any means, including violence and
sary and seeking to reawaken in him a
the results have shown that it is not
deceit, in order to bring that organiza-
sense of shared human dignity.
possible to succeed in this without
tion into being. Politics then becomes a
It seemed that the European
throwing the heart into turmoil.
"secular religion" which operates under
order resulting from World War II and
25. The events of 1989 are an ex-
the illusion of creating paradise in this
sanctioned by the Yalta agreements
ample of the success of willingness to
world. But no political society - which
could only be overturned by another
negotiate and of the Gospel spirit in the
possesses its own autonomy and laws⁵⁵
war. Instead, it has been overcome by
face of an adversary determined not to
- can ever be confused with the
the non-violent commitment of people
be bound by moral principles. These
kingdom of God. The Gospel parable of
who, while always refusing to yield to
events are a warning to those who in the
the weeds among the wheat (cf. Mt.
the force of power, succeeded time after
name of political realism wish to banish
13:24-30, 36-43) teaches that it is for
time in finding effective ways of bear-
law and morality from the political
God alone to separate the subjects of the
ing witness to the truth. This disarmed
arena. Undoubtedly the struggle which
kingdom from the subjects of the Evil
the adversary, since violence always
led to the changes of 1989 called for
One and that this judgment will take
needs to justify itself through deceit and
clarity, moderation, suffering and
place at the end of time. By presuming
to appear, however falsely, to be defen-
sacrifice. In a certain sense, it was a
to anticipate judgment here and now,
ding a right or responding to a threat
struggle born of prayer, and it would
man puts himself in the place of God
posed by others. 54 Once again I thank
have been unthinkable without immense
and sets himself against the patience of
God for having sustained people's
trust in God, the Lord of history, who
God.
Through Christ's sacrifice on the
justice and oppression which Marxism
nations of Europe, which are closely
cross, the victory of the kingdom of God
itself exploited and on which it fed. To
united in a bond of common culture and
has been achieved once and for all.
those who are searching today for a new
an age-old history. A great effort is
Nevertheless, the Christian life involves
and authentic theory and praxis of
needed to rebuild morally and
a struggle against temptation and the
liberation, the church offers not only her
economically the countries which have
forces of evil. Only at the end of history
social doctrine and, in general, her
abandoned communism. For a long
will the Lord return in glory for the final
teaching about the human person
time the most elementary economic rela-
judgment (cf. Mt. 25:31) with the
redeemed in Christ, but also her con-
tionships were distorted, and basic vir-
establishment of a new heaven and a
crete commitment and material
tues of economic life such as
new earth (cf. 2 Pt. 3:13; Rv. 21:1); but
assistance in the struggle against
truthfulness, trustworthiness and hard
as long as time lasts the struggle between
marginalization and suffering.
work were denigrated. A patient
good and evil continues even in the
In the recent past, the sincere
material and moral reconstruction is
human heart itself.
desire to be on the side of the oppress-
needed, even as people, exhausted by
What sacred Scripture teaches us
ed and not to be cut off from the course
longstanding privation, are asking their
about the prospects of the kingdom of
of history has led many believers to seek
governments for tangible and immediate
God is not without consequences for the
in various ways an impossible com-
results in the form of material benefits
life of temporal societies, which, as the
promise between Marxism and Chris-
and an adequate fulfillment of their
adjective indicates, belong to the realm
tianity. Moving beyond all that was
legitimate aspirations.
of time, with all that this implies of im-
short-lived in these attempts, present cir-
The fall of Marxism has natural-
perfection and impermanence. The
cumstances are leading to a reaffirma-
ly had a great impact on the division of
kingdom of God, being in the world
tion of the positive value of an authen-
the planet into worlds which are closed
without being of the world, throws light
tic theology of integral human libera-
to one another and in jealous competi-
on the order of human society, while the
tion. 58 Considered from this point of
tion. It has further highlighted the reali-
power of grace penetrates that order and
view, the events of 1989 are proving to
ty of interdependence among peoples as
gives it life. In this way the requirements
be important also for the countries of
well as the fact that human work by its
of a society worthy of man are better
the Third World, which are searching
nature is meant to unite peoples, not
perceived, deviations are corrected, the
for their own path to development,
divide them. Peace and prosperity, in
courage to work for what is good is rein-
just as they were important for the coun-
fact, are goods which belong to the
forced. In union with all people of good
tries of Central and Eastern Europe.
whole human race: It is not possible to
will, Christians, especially the laity, are
enjoy them in a proper and lasting way
called to this task of imbuing human
"If war can end without
if they are achieved and maintained at
realities with the Gospel.56
26. The events of 1989 took place
winners or losers in a
the cost of other peoples and nations by
violating their rights or excluding them
principally in the countries of Eastern
suicide of humanity, then we
from the sources of well-being.
and Central Europe. However, they
must repudiate the logic
28. In a sense, for some countries
have worldwide importance because
of Europe the real postwar period is just
they have positive and negative conse-
which leads to it: the idea
beginning. The radical reordering of
quences which concern the whole human
that the effort to destroy the
economic systems, hitherto collectiviz-
family. These consequences are not
enemy, confrontation and
ed, entails problems and sacrifices com-
mechanistic or fatalistic in character,
parable to those which the countries of
but rather are opportunities for human
war itself are factors of pro-
Western Europe had to face in order to
freedom to cooperate with the merciful
gress and historical ad-
rebuild after World War II. It is right
plan of God, who acts within history.
The first consequence was an en-
vancement."
that in the present difficulties the
formerly communist countries should be
counter in some countries between the
aided by the united effort of other na-
church and the workers' movement,
27. The second consequence con-
tions. Obviously they themselves must
which came about as a result of an
cerns the peoples of Europe themselves.
be the primary agents of their own
ethical and explicitly Christian reaction
Many individual, social, regional and
development, but they must also be
against a widespread situation of in-
national injustices were committed dur-
given a reasonable opportunity to ac-
justice. For about a century the workers'
ing and prior to the years in which com-
complish this goal, something that can-
movement had fallen in part under the
munism dominated; much hatred and ill
not happen without the help of other
dominance of Marxism in the conviction
will have accumulated. There is a real
countries. Moreover, their present con-
that the working class, in order to strug-
danger that these will re-explode after
dition, marked by difficulties and shor-
gle effectively against oppression, had
the collapse of dictatorship, provoking
tages, is the result of a historical process
to appropriate its economic and
serious conflicts and casualties should
in which the formerly communist coun-
materialistic theories.
there be a lessening of the moral com-
tries were often objects and not subjects.
In the crisis of Marxism, the
mitment and conscious striving to bear
Thus they find themselves in the present
natural dictates of the consciences of
witness to the truth which were the in-
situation not as a result of free choice
workers have re-emerged in a demand
spiration for past efforts. It is to be
or mistakes which were made, but as a
for justice and a recognition of the
hoped that hatred and violence will not
consequence of tragic historical events
dignity of work in conformity with the
triumph in people's hearts, especially
which were violently imposed on them
social doctrine of the church.⁵ The
among those who are struggling for
and which prevented them from follow-
worker movement is part of a more
justice, and that all people will grow in
ing the path of economic and social
general movement among workers and
the spirit of peace and forgiveness.
development.
other people of good will for the libera-
What is needed are concrete steps
Assistance from other countries,
tion of the human person and for the af-
to create or consolidate international
especially the countries of Europe which
firmation of human rights. It is a move-
structures capable of intervening
were part of that history and which bear
ment which today has spread to many
through appropriate arbitration in the
responsibility for it, represents a debt in
countries and which, far from opposing
conflicts which arise between nations, so
justice. But it also corresponds to the in-
the Catholic Church, looks to her with
that each nation can uphold its own
terest and welfare of Europe as a whole,
interest.
rights and reach a just agreement and
since Europe cannot live in peace if the
The crisis of Marxism does not
peaceful settlement vis-a-vis the rights of
various conflicts which have arisen as a
rid the world of the situations of in-
others. This is especially needed for the
result of the past are to become more
11
acute because of a situation of economic
principle for several reasons:
While the pope proclaimed the
disorder, spiritual dissatisfaction and
a) Because the old forms of
right to private ownership, he affirmed
desperation.
totalitarianism and authoritarianism are
with equal clarity that the "use" of
This need, however, must not
not yet completely vanquished; indeed
goods, while marked by freedom, is
lead to a slackening of efforts to sustain
there is a risk that they will regain their
subordinated to their original common
and assist the countries of the Third
strength. This demands renewed efforts
destination as created goods as well as
World, which often suffer even more
of cooperation and solidarity between
to the will of Jesus Christ as expressed
serious conditions of poverty and
all countries.
in the Gospel. Pope Leo wrote: "Those
want. What is called for is a special ef-
b) Because in the developed
whom fortune favors are admonished
fort to mobilize resources, which are not
countries there is sometimes an excessive
that they should tremble at the warnings
lacking in the world as a whole, for the
promotion of purely utilitarian values,
of
Jesus
Christ
and that a most strict
purpose of economic growth and com-
with an appeal to the appetites and in-
account must be given to the Supreme
mon development, redefining the
clinations toward immediate gratifica-
Judge for the use of all they possess";
priorities and hierarchies of values on
tion, making it difficult to recognize and
and quoting St. Thomas Aquinas, he
the basis of which economic and
respect the hierarchy of the true values
added: "But if the question be asked
political choices are made. Enormous
of human existence.
how must one's possessions be used, the
resources can be made available by
church replies without hesitation that
disarming the huge military machines
"In a sense, for some
man should not consider his material
which were constructed for the conflict
possessions as his own, but as common
between East and West. These resources
countries of Europe the real
to all," because "above the laws and
could become even more abundant if in
postwar period is just begin-
judgments of men stands the law, the
place of war reliable procedures for the
ning. The radical reordering
judgment of Christ."66
resolution of conflicts could be set up,
The successors of Leo XIII have
with the resulting spread of the princi-
of economic systems,
repeated this twofold affirmation: the
ple of arms control and arms reduction
hitherto collectivized, entails
necessity and therefore the legitimacy of
also in the countries of the Third World,
private ownership as well as the limits
through the adoption of appropriate
problems and sacrifices
which are imposed on it.6⁷ The Second
measures against the arms trade. 60 But
comparable to those which
Vatican Council likewise clearly restated
it will be necessary above all to abandon
the traditional doctrine in words which
a mentality in which the poor - as in-
the countries of Western
bear repeating: "In making use of the
dividuals and as peoples are con-
Europe had to face in order
exterior things we lawfully possess, we
sidered a burden, as irksome intruders
to rebuild after World War
ought to regard them not just as our
trying to consume what others have pro-
own but also as common, in the sense
duced. The poor ask for the right to
II."
that they can profit not only the owners
share in enjoying material goods and to
but others too"; and a little later we
make good use of their capacity for
read: "Private property or some owner-
work, thus creating a world that is more
c) Because in some countries new
ship of external goods affords each per-
just and prosperous for all. The ad-
forms of religious fundamentalism are
son the scope needed for personal and
vancement of the poor constitutes a
emerging which covertly, or even open-
family autonomy, and should be regard-
great opportunity for the moral, cultural
ly, deny to citizens of faiths other than
ed as an extension of human freedom
and even economic growth of all
that of the majority the full exercise of
Of its nature private property also has
humanity.
their civil and religious rights, prevent-
a social function, which is based on the
29. Finally, development must
ing them from taking part in the cultural
law of the common purpose of
not be understood solely in economic
process and restricting both the church's
goods. " I have returned to this same
terms, but in a way that is fully
right to preach the Gospel and the rights
doctrine, first in my address to the third
human.6¹ It is not only a question of
of those who hear this preaching to ac-
conference of the Latin American
raising all peoples to the level currently
cept it and to be converted to Christ. No
bishops at Puebla and later in the en-
enjoyed by the richest countries, but
authentic progress is possible without
cyclicals Laborem Exercens and
rather of building up a more decent life
respect for the natural and fundamen-
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis.69
through united labor, of concretely
tal right to know the truth and live ac-
31. Rereading this teaching on
enhancing every individual's dignity and
cording to that truth. The exercise and
the right to property and the common
creativity as well as his capacity to re-
development of this right includes the
destination of material wealth as it ap-
spond to his personal vocation and thus
right to discover and freely to accept
plies to the present time, the question
to God's call. The apex of development
Jesus Christ, who is man's true good.
can be raised concerning the origin of
is the exercise of the right and duty to
the material goods which sustain human
seek God, to know him and to live in
CHAPTER 4
life, satisfy people's needs and are an
accordance with that knowledge. In
Private Property and
object of their rights.
the totalitarian and authoritarian
the Universal Destination
The original source of all that is
regimes, the principle that force
of Material Goods
good is the very act of God, who created
predominates over reason was carried to
both the earth and man, and who gave
the extreme. Man was compelled to sub-
30. In Rerum Novarum, Leo
the earth to man so that he might have
mit to a conception of reality imposed
XIII strongly affirmed the natural
dominion over it by his work and enjoy
on him by coercion and not reached by
character of the right to private proper-
its fruits (Gn. 1:28). God gave the earth
virtue of his own reason and the exer-
ty, using various arguments against the
to the whole human race for the
cise of his own freedom. This principle
socialism of his time. This right, which
sustenance of all its members, without
must be overturned and total recogni-
is fundamental for the autonomy and
excluding or favoring anyone. This is
tion must be given to the rights of the
development of the person, has always
the foundation of the universal destina-
human conscience, which is bound on-
been defended by the church up to our
tion of the earth's goods. The earth, by
ly to the truth, both natural and reveal-
own day. At the same time the church
reason of its fruitfulness and its capaci-
ed. The recognition of these rights
teaches that the possession of material
ty to satisfy human needs, is God's first
represents the primary foundation of
goods is not an absolute right and that
gift for the sustenance of human life.
every authentically free political order.6
its limits are inscribed in its very nature
But the earth does not yield its fruits
It is important to reaffirm this latter
as a human right.
without a particular human response to
God's gift, that is to say, without work.
this way the role of disciplined and
needs of others and to satisfy them.
It is through work that man, using his
creative human work and, as an essen-
33. However, the risks and prob-
intelligence and exercising his freedom,
tial part of that work, initiative and en-
lems connected with this kind of process
succeeds in dominating the earth and
trepreneurial ability becomes increasing-
should be pointed out. The fact is that
making it a fitting home. In this way he
ly evident and decisive. 70
many people, perhaps the majority to-
makes part of the earth his own, precise-
This process, which throws prac-
day, do not have the means which would
ly the part which he has acquired
tical light on a truth about the person
enable them to take their place in an ef-
through work; this is the origin of in-
which Christianity has constantly af-
fective and humanly dignified way
dividual property. Obviously he also has
firmed, should be viewed carefully and
within a productive system in which
the responsibility not to hinder others
favorably. Indeed, besides the earth,
work is truly central. They have no
from having their own part of God's
man's principal resource is man himself.
possibility of acquiring the basic
gift; indeed he must cooperate with
His intelligence enables him to discover
knowledge which would enable them to
others so that together all can dominate
the earth's productive potential and the
express their creativity and develop their
the earth.
many different ways in which human
potential. They have no way of enter-
In history, these two factors -
needs can be satisfied. It is his disciplin-
ing the network of knowledge and inter-
work and the land - are to be found
ed work in close collaboration with
communication which would enable
at the beginning of every human socie-
others that makes possible the creation
them to see their qualities appreciated
ty. However, they do not always stand
of ever more extensive working com-
and utilized. Thus, if not actually ex-
in the same relationship to each other.
munities which can be relied upon to
ploited, they are to a great extent
At one time the natural fruitfulness of
transform man's natural and human en-
marginalized; economic development
the earth appeared to be and was in fact
vironments. Important virtues are in-
takes place over their heads, so to speak,
the primary factor of wealth, while work
volved in this process such as diligence,
when it does not actually reduce the
was, as it were, the help and support for
industriousness, prudence in undertak-
already narrow scope of their old sub-
this fruitfulness. In our time, the role of
ing reasonable risks, reliability and
sistence economies. They are unable to
human work is becoming increasingly
fidelity in interpersonal relationships as
compete against the goods which are
important as the productive factor both
well as courage in carrying out decisions
produced in ways which are new and
of non-material and of material wealth.
which are difficult and painful, but
which properly respond to needs, needs
Moreover, it is becoming clearer how a
necessary both for the overall working
which they had previously been ac-
person's work is naturally interrelated
of a business and in meeting possible
customed to meeting through traditional
with the work of others. More than ever,
setbacks.
forms of organization. Allured by the
work is work with others and work for
dazzle of an opulence which is beyond
others: It is a matter of doing something
for someone else. Work becomes ever
"Development must
their reach and at the same time driven
by necessity, these people crowd the
more fruitful and productive to the ex-
not be understood solely in
cities of the Third World where they are
tent that people become more
economic terms, but in a
often without cultural roots and where
knowledgeable of the productive poten-
way that is fully human. It is
they are exposed to situations of violent
tialities of the earth and more profound-
uncertainty without the possibility of
ly cognizant of the needs of those for
not only a question of rais-
becoming integrated. Their dignity is not
whom their work is done.
ing all peoples to the level
acknowledged in any real way, and
32. In our time in particular there
sometimes there are even attempts to
exists another form of ownership which
currently enjoyed by the
eliminate them from history through
is becoming no less important than land:
richest countries, but rather
coercive forms of demographic control
the possession of know-how, technology
and skill. The wealth of the industrializ-
of building up a more decent
which are contrary to human dignity.
Many other people, while not
ed nations is based much more on this
life through united labor, of
completely marginalized, live in situa-
kind of ownership than on natural
concretely enhancing every
tions in which the struggle for a bare
resources.
minimum is uppermost. These are situa-
Mention has just been made of
individual's dignity and
tions in which the rules of the earliest
the fact that people work with each
creativity."
period of capitalism still flourish in con-
other, sharing in a "community of
ditions of "ruthlessness" in no way in-
work" which embraces ever widening
ferior to the darkest moments of the
circles. A person who produces
The modern business economy
first phase of industrialization. In other
something other than for his own use
has positive aspects. Its basis is human
cases the land is still the central element
generally does so in order that others
freedom exercised in the economic field,
in the economic process, but those who
may use it after they have paid a just
just as it is exercised in many other
cultivate it are excluded from ownership
price mutually agreed upon through free
fields. Economic activity is indeed but
and are reduced to a state of quasi-
bargaining. It is precisely the ability to
one sector in a great variety of human
servitude."¹ In these cases it is still possi-
foresee both the needs of others and the
activities, and like every other sector, it
ble today, as in the days of Rerum
combinations of productive factors
includes the right to freedom as well as
Novarum, to speak of inhuman ex-
most adapted to satisfying those needs
the duty of making responsible use of
ploitation. In spite of the great changes
that constitutes another important
freedom. But it is important to note that
which have taken place in the more ad-
source of wealth in modern society.
there are specific differences between the
vanced societies, the human- inade-
Besides, many goods cannot be ade-
trends of modern society and those of
quacies of capitalism and the resulting
quately produced through the work of
the past, even the recent past. Whereas
domination of things over people are far
an isolated individual; they require the
at one time the decisive factor of pro-
from disappearing. In fact, for the poor,
cooperation of many people in working
duction was the land and later capital -
to the lack of material goods has been
toward a common goal. Organizing such
understood as a total complex of the in-
added a lack of knowledge and training
a productive effort, planning its dura-
struments of production - today the
which prevents them from escaping their
tion in time, making sure that it cor-
decisive factor is increasingly man
state of humiliating subjection.
responds in a positive way to the
himself, that is, his knowledge, especial-
Unfortunately, the great majori-
demands which it must satisfy and tak-
ly his scientific knowledge, his capacity
ty of people in the Third World still live
ing the necessary risks - all this too is
for interrelated and compact organiza-
in such conditions. It would be a
a source of wealth in today's society. In
tion as well as his ability to perceive the
mistake, however, to understand this
13
PAGE
1
LEVEL 1 - 5 OF 6 QUOTATIONS
Copyright 1988 James B. Simpson
Simpson's Contemporary Quotations
SECTION: Humankind
SUBJECT: Religion; Spirituality
LENGTH: 148 words
SOURCE: Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski, Primate of Poland
QUOTE:
I tell you, you will serve only your God, because man is too noble to serve
anyone but God.
Sermon against Communist adversaries, NY Times 20 Mar 61
When the soil is covered with grass, the fiercest whirlwinds will not easily
blow it away, even if it is sandy. But when the soil becomes a desert place, it
is very easily conquered.
On importance of "the bond of man to the land," April 2, 1981, statement
supporting anti-Communist Rural Solidarity Movement, quoted by John Paul II
during visit to Poland 20 Jun 83
LEVEL 1 - 6 OF 6 QUOTATIONS
Copyright 1988 James B. Simpson
Simpson's Contemporary Quotations
SECTION: Humankind
SUBJECT: Religion; Polity & Religious Leaders
LENGTH: 83 words
SOURCE: Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski, Primate of Poland
QUOTE:
You have to know the psychology of priest who spend a good part of their time
praying and serving people and finally discover that they are not being rewarded
properly by God on earth. They don't want to blame the Holy Ghost, so they turn
to their peers and try to maneuver them into recognizing them as a little more
than equal.
On how his countryman Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II, quoted by
Antoni Gronowicz God's Broker: The Life of John Paul II Richardson & Snyder 84
TM
TM
TM
LEXIS:NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS·NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
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John Paul II in Burkina Faso
The pope's two days in
Guinea-Bissau and Mali
An Appeal for the Sahel
brought him to countries
where Catholics and Chris-
tians are a tiny minority.
'In the land of Africa, millions of men,
to join my voice to all those appealing for a
In several public talks, he
women and children are still threatened by never
generous and efficient solidarity with those
sought to explain how the
enjoying good health, never being able to live in
populations suffering thirst and hunger. I wanted
faith of Catholics and the
dignity from their work and losing the wealth
to make people hear the cry of innocent people
building up of society are
of their ancestral heritage while being deprived
exterminated or threatened by not being able to
closely intertwined.
While Catholics in
of the positive contributions of science and
survive.
Guinea-Bissau make up
technology,' Pope John Paul II said Jan. 29
Considerable efforts have already been
only 5 percent of the
when he addressed the West African Economic
made to come to the aid of the people of this
population, they run four
Council in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso -
region during the very long period of hardship
hospitals and 17 dispen-
saries - a substantial por-
formerly Upper Volta. There, on the edge of the
they have been suffering. And, since 1980, my
tion of the country's
West African desert, he renewed an appeal he
appeal has been heard. It has given rise to new
medical system. Guinea-
had made in 1980 for the people of the Sahel
waves of solidarity. German Catholics in par-
Bissau has one of the
region during a visit to Upper Volta. "Having
ticular made it possible in 1984 to create the John
highest infant mortality
enough bread and water is always a real problem
Paul II Foundation for the Sahel, which serves
rates and the lowest life
expectancy in Africa.
for populations of the Sahelian zone
The
eight countries and whose administrative coun-
In Mali, Catholics are
world must know that Africa is experiencing real
cil has its headquarters in your capital.
only I percent of the
poverty: Its available resources are decreasing,
I thank Cardinal Zoungrana and the
population, but manage
vast expanses of land are becoming sterile,
members of the foundation's council for the
six hospitals and dozens of
other medical and welfare
malnutrition is chronic for tens of millions of
tenacity they have shown in their work. And I
centers.
human beings and too many children are dying,"
greet Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, who is present
In Chad, Muslims make
the pope told his Burkina Faso audience. Appeal-
today, the president of the Pontifical Council
up approximately 44 per-
ing to the world, the pope urged humanity "not
Cor Unum, which exercises important respon-
cent of the estimated 5.7
to scorn the starving in this continent, not to
sibilities within the foundation.
million people, Christians
about 33 percent and
deny them the universal right to human dignity
followers of native
and the security of life. A Catholic News Ser-
"We are still a far cry from be-
religions 23 percent.
vice translation of his French-language address
Catholics are said to
follows.
ing in a position to ensure everyone
number 306,000.
Of Muslims, the pope
a basic formation and the acquisi-
said in Chad: "I greet
1. Ten years ago, as my dear and honored
tion of the professional skills re-
them and assure them that
brother Cardinal Paul Zoungrana has just
I come as a man of
quired for a regular increase in pro-
reminded us, I stepped on the soil of your
dialogue and a messenger
of peace." The pope
beautiful country for the first time. My joy is
duction and an improvement in
praised Chad's recently
great to be back today.
health conditions; in a word, the
adopted constitution,
I thank the cardinal for his words. And
harmonious development of man
which protects freedom of
I also express my gratitude to the executive
religion and maintains the
himself."
secretary of the Interstates Committee for the
secular nature of the state.
"I hope that in this
Fight Against Drought in the Sahel for the
climate of liberty, Muslim
message he has just given us.
The structure of this organism is a result
and Christian communities
I respectfully greet the head of state, His
of certain deep-seated convictions of the church
may develop an increasing-
Excellency Capt. Blaise Compaore, who wished
facing developmental issues. Collaboration bet-
ly constructive spirit of
to take part in this meeting. I also greet all the
cooperation," the pope
ween the North and the South makes a real shar-
said.
Burkina Faso authorities gathered around him
ing of resources possible between the most
Of the four nations
and I wholeheartedly express my respect for the
privileged and the most underprivileged. But the
visited by Pope John Paul
personalities here representing neighboring coun-
effective direction of action in the territory is in
II during his January
tries, friendly countries and international institu-
pilgrimage to West Africa,
the hands of the direct representatives of the peo-
tions such as the West African Economic Coun-
only Cape Verde is
ple concerned. Is it necessary to repeat that
predominantly (91 percent)
cil, which is welcoming us at its own head-
though aid and advice can come from elsewhere,
Catholic.
quarters.
it is up to each people to assume its own develop-
Ladies and gentlemen, you are responsi-
ment with clearsightedness?
ble for directing your people's progress in the
On the other hand, the still modest means
political, financial, social, cultural and religious
of the foundation are devoted first and foremost
spheres. I pray that God may give you the moral
to "encouraging the formation of people who
strength, prudence and discernment necessary to
put themselves in the service of their country and
accomplish your important missions as a service
their brothers without discrimination in a spirit
to peace and justice, not only in this country, but
of integral human promotion and of solidarity,
throughout all this land of Sahel and on the
to fight against desertification and its causes and
African continent as a whole.
to rescue the victims of drought in the countries
2. In 1980 I launched a solemn appeal to
of the Sahel" (Statutes, Art. 3:1).
the world for the Sahel, which has been so cruelly
3. Ladies and gentlemen, by their con-
588
affected by drought and desertification. I wanted
certed action, the governments of each country,
the international governmental and non-
and sisters in humanity not to scorn the starving
governmental organizations have done a great
in this continent, not to deny them the universal
deal to make the specters of hunger and thirst
right to human dignity and the security of life.
recede. I acknowledge the notable efforts of the
How would history judge a generation
Interstates Committee for the Fight Against
that has all the means to feed the population of
The 1980 speech in
which Pope John Paul II
Drought in the Sahel. You leaders are con-
the planet and that refused to do so in fratricidal
issued an appeal to the
tributing with energy to the pursuit of immense
indifference?
world on behalf of the
and difficult tasks. For in the countries I am
What kind of peace can be expected by
Sahel appeared in Origins,
visiting at the moment, the situation remains a
people who do not put the duty of solidarity in-
vol. 10, pp. 45f. He
delivered the speech in
source of worry, as in many regions of the
to practice?
Ouagadougou, Upper
African continent.
What a desert a world would be where
Volta, the country now
Having enough bread and water is always
poverty could not encounter life-giving love.
known as Burkina Faso. It
a real problem for populations of the Sahelian
5. The appeal I am renewing today is ad-
was in Ouagadougou that
zone. The harvests of the industrious peasants
dressed to the peoples of the world, especially
he also presented what
remain as jeopardized by scarce and irregular
to those in the North who have more human and
some observers described
as the keynote address of
rainfall as by exploitation. Equipment to put the
financial resources. Generous action has already
his January 1990 visit to
land to its best use, to make the most of the
been initiated as much by public powers as by
West Africa, renewing his
available water and for the transport of products
private organizations, notably Catholic. But if
appeal for the Sahel.
is lacking. We are still a far cry from being in
we now want to help Africa overcome its han-
In his 1980 appeal, the
pope said: "From here,
a position to ensure everyone a basic formation
dicaps, more than ever opinion needs to be
from Ouagadougou, from
and the acquisition of the professional skills
awakened: Solidarity will only find its just
the center of one of these
required for a regular increase in production and
measure if everyone becomes aware of its necessi-
countries which can be
an improvement in health conditions; in a word,
ty. Here I am repeating what I wrote in the en-
called the countries of
the harmonious development of man himself.
cyclical Sollicitudo Rei Socialis: Solidarity is not
thirst, may I be therefore
permitted to address to
"a feeling of vague compassion or shallow
everyone, in Africa and
"Real development can only
distress at the misfortunes suffered by so many
beyond this continent, a
people both near and far. On the contrary, it is
solemn appeal not to shut
be encouraged efficiently through
a firm and persevering determination to commit
their eyes before what has
relationships of trust between part-
happened and what is hap-
oneself to the common good; that is to say, to
pening in the Sahelian
ners. More than produce is shared.
the good of all and of each individual because
region
Knowledge and scientific research
we are all really responsible for all" (No. 38).
"The needs are immense
Who would not want the world to be fraternal?
if one wants to stop the
are shared, the traditions and
If it is to be more than an empty word, fraterni-
advance of the desert and
riches of each one are respected
even gradually to push it
ty implies some obligations.
back, if one wants each
and access to autonomous respon-
The first obligation is that of sincere
man, each woman and
sibility is given to those who were
reflection: Should not the "developed" societies
each child of the Sahel to
examine the example they are offering the world,
have enough water and
receiving advice over a certain
the needs they have created, the nature and the
food, to have a future
ever more worthy of a
period. This is how development
source of the riches which have become essen-
human being.
can really become a human and a
tial to them?
"That is why, from this
Such an examination of conscience ought
place, from this capital of
social commitment."
to convince the greatest number of citizens to call
Upper Volta, I launch a
on their leaders not only to increase the intensi-
solemn appeal to the
The world must know that Africa is ex-
whole world. I, John Paul
ty of their links of solidarity with underprivileg-
II, bishop of Rome and
periencing real poverty: Its available resources
ed peoples, but also to keep themselves from any
successor of Peter, raise
are decreasing, vast expanses of land are becom-
deviation: It is not, in fact, a question of seeing
my pleading voice, because
ing sterile, malnutrition is chronic for tens of
in the poorest countries only clients or debtors
I do not want to be silent
millions of human beings and too many children
who are more or less solvent. Whether it is con-
when my brothers and
sisters are threatened
are dying. Is it possible that such destitution
scious or not, this kind of attitude has led to too
"Let us not wait till
should not be felt as a wound in the side of the
many blind alleys.
frightening and
whole of humanity?
Real development can only be encourag-
devastating drought
4. At this time, when I am visiting several
ed efficiently through relationships of trust bet-
returns! Let us not wait
countries in the Sahel, I must observe the gravi-
for the sand to bring
ween partners. More than produce is shared.
death again! Let us not
ty of the misfortunes affecting so many of the
Knowledge and scientific research are shared, the
permit the future of these
African peoples. Again, I must launch a solemn
traditions and riches of each one are respected,
peoples to remain forever
appeal to humanity, in the name of humanity
and access to autonomous responsibility is given
threatened!"
itself. In the land of Africa, millions of men,
to those whom one advised over a certain period.
In his 1980 address, the
women and children are still threatened by never
pope appealed directly to
This is how development can really become a
international organizations
enjoying good health, never being able to live in
human and a social effort.
and scientists, government
dignity from their work, never receiving the
I appeal to the most privileged people to
officials and non-
education to broaden their intelligence, seeing
recognize in their African brothers the beauty of
governmental organiza-
their environment become hostile and sterile, and
their qualities, their love of life, their dignity,
tions, journalists and
others. Speaking to
losing the wealth of their ancestral heritage while
their sense of mutual help, their openness to
Catholics of the world, he
being deprived of the positive contributions of
transcendence. May the people of the North
said, "Those who hunger
science and technology.
show as much interest in the values of African
and thirst in the world are
In the name of justice, the bishop of
culture as those of the South in the contributions
at your door!"
Rome, successor of Peter, beseeches his brothers
of the rich countries.
589
2026470555-
2024566218:# 8
FOREWORD
The text which follows is Poland's first
written constitution. The Governmental
Statute of May 3, 1791, as the Polish basic laws
were called, was also the first European written
constitution and was preceded only by the
American Constitution of 1787 / It was fol-
lowed shortly by the first French Constitution
of September 3, 1791.
The American Constitution has endured
for over two hundred years; neither the Polish
nor the first French constitution survived two
years. The three countries differed in the his-
toric experiences they inherited and cultural
legacy they followed but for all of them the
process of constitutional development had deep
roots in centuries long attempts to limit the
power of the government. Looking at consti-
tutional history from this point of view, the
American, Polish, and French constitutional
traditions are comparable and it is not inci-
dental that Poland was the first European
country to adopt the written constitution.
Poland's Constitution of 1791 was the
product of the Poles' four-and-a-half century
struggle to both restrain the king's power and
iii
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
to create institutions fundamental to a consti-
other hand, the anarchy in Poland was used to
tutional government. In trying to trace the
justify plans to partition off Polish terri-
origins of the Polish constitutional govern-
tories. The first partition of Poland took
ment, one finds that the process of limiting the
place in 1772 and, under pressure from Russia,
king's power began in Poland as early as the
was "ratified" in 1775, a year before the
fourteenth century, and that Poland emerged
American colonies produced the Declaration
as a constitutional monarchy in a period when
of Independence.
other major European countries were rein-
In the eighteenth century, a faction of
forcing their absolutism. When English
politically mature nobles, determined to pre-
absolutism reached its peak in the sixteenth
pare a sound program of reforms, was formed in
century and the French monarchy built the
Poland. The partition opened their eyes to the
potential to surpass the hampering restraints
fact that under Russian tutelage no further
on the exercise of royal authority, the drive
transformations of the Polish government
towards absolutism in Poland was losing its
would be possible. In fact, when the American
momentum. On the one hand, Poland was
Constitutional Convention was nearing its
successfully establishing mechanisms limiting
end, the Polish movement for reform was try-
the king's power, on the other hand, it was not
ing to make use of the unusual geopolitical
able to stand up to the power of its neighbors.
situation which seemed to open the road for a
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
major transformation in the Polish political
the internal problems of Poland coincided with
system. When Russia entered into a war with
successful internal reforms in Prussia, Russia
Turkey and its northern army was also busy
and Austria which resulted in the reconstruc-
fending off Swedish attacks the Polish reform
tion of the power of the central governments in
faction decided that this was the time to end
2026470555-
these countries and the general growth and
the Russian guarantees for the fundamentals
their military potential. The neighbors were
of the obsolete Polish political system. On
interested in keeping Poland demilitarized,
October 7, 1788, the historical Seym convened;
neutralized and in the state of anarchy. On the
this Seym was later called the "Four Year Diet"
iv
V
6 2045662181
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
or the "Great Polish Parliament." In the next
tition of Poland. The partition abolished the
three years the Seym passed several significant
Governmental Statute of May 3, 1791 and
laws and in the meantime the group of re-
re-established the fundamental laws and
formers which joined forces with the royal
pre-constitutional institutions. The basic
coterie started to work on the more detailed
principles of the government, which have been
projects of a written constitution. The framers
advanced by the framers of the Constitution
of the Constitution decided to discuss the final
remained however, very much alive in Polish
draft in the Seym on May 3, 1791. After a long
political thought.
and fervent discussion, the king Stanislaw
The Polish Governmental Statute of 1791
Augustus Poniatowski backed with the voices
was not only the first European written consti-
of the deputies chanting "Viva Constitution"
tution, but for the generations of Poles, it
asked the bishop of Cracow to read the words
became a symbol of a mature political culture.
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 6-22-92 5:11PM
of the oath. He swore and stated, "luravi
It left important legacy which was followed by
Domino, non me poenitebit" (I swore and
the Polish constitutions in the twentieth
would not regret that). The Constitution be-
century. The ardent defenders of the 1791
came an accomplished fact.
reforms set the constitutional act among the
The Constitution of May 3, 1791 sur-
most praiseworthy achievements of the nation.
vived only a little more than one year. Under
The Constitution was a document drafted
Russian pressure on April 27, 1792 the rebel
by the nobility, but was to serve the whole
faction of the Polish magnates, opposing the
nation. The framers of the Constitutional Act
Constitution, signed in St. Petersburg the act
tried to convey a message that the ruling social
of Confederation which was later promulgated
group of the nobles has both rights and duties.
under the false date of May 14, in the border
The Constitution also confirmed the demo-
2026470555->
town of Targowica. Six months later on January
cratic traditions of the Polish political culture;
23, 1793, Russia and Prussia signed in St.
it was a special tradition of equality within one
Petersburg the second agreement of the par-
social estate, the nobles. The concept, however,
assumed that all those who were finally
vi
vii
2024566218;#10
2026470555-
2024566218:#11
FOREWORD
admitted to the "common order" should ac-
tively participate in the control of common
affairs. The legend of the Constitution trans-
mitted a belief in a sense of fighting in "lost
battles." In this meaning, the noble battle for a
Polish Constitution was lost but nevertheless
R
successful. Although the Constitution fell, its
legacy is still very much alive.
The Polish Constitution of May 3, was
published and commented on in many European
countries. The text which follows is a facsimile
of the 2nd edition of the original English trans-
lation printed in 1791 for J. Debrett by
Burlington House of London.
PROF. RETT R. LUDWIKOWSKI
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA
WASHINGTON, D.C.
viii
regional banks constitute an obstacle to
respect based on our common humanity
(pp. 69-71)
their participation in effective debt-
and the common good of all
In our view, the Third World
reduction schemes, U.S. representatives
mankind It is my conviction that the
debt crisis violates all three of these
on these institutions' governing boards
attitudes and decisions of leaders like
forms of justice, and the approaches
should be instructed to initiate action to
yourselves make a profound difference
thus far made or proposed to deal with
waive or modify them.
for good or ill in shaping the future of
it fail to offer adequate remedies.
56. We urge our commercial
humanity. I am confident that you
60. We believe that in-
bankers, including the many who are
will not fail to be compassionate as well
terdependence is a fact of economic -
Catholic, to understand and accept cor-
as responsible stewards of the material
indeed, of all - life. Solidarity, in the
esponsibility for the solution of this
goods entrusted to you" (LOsservatore
pope's words, is "the correlative
urgent and crucial problem. This is not
Romano, June 19-20, 1989).
response as a moral and social attitude,
a matter of what is often, but inac-
58. We urge that the pope's
as a virtue" (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis,
curately, termed "charity," but of
words be heard and heeded by leaders
38). Coresponsibility is the expression of
justice. Justice is neither sentimental nor
in government and business as well as
that virtue relative to, among other
optional; it is realistic, and it is
in banking indeed by all who in any
things, the problem of Third World
obligatory. Coresponsibility is not op-
way can help relieve the tragic burden
debt. Like the Holy Father, we are not
tional either; and properly interpreted,
of the poorer countries' external debt.
interested in assessing blame or assign-
it entails effective debt relief, which can
In short, we call on the four "corespon-
ing guilt; these are descriptions of the
include at least partial forgiveness of
sibles" identified above (Para. 43) to ex-
past, and there is plenty of both to be
debt. Deciding upon debt relief for
ercise the solidarity described by the
shared. Rather, we want to stress
developing countries is necessarily a
pope in Madagascar, on May 1, 1989:
responsibility, which looks to the future.
complex and technical matter, but it
"When one speaks of solidarity,
61. We are aware that even total
need not be as drawn out and arduous
one sees straight away that institutional
forgiveness of the indebtedness would
as it has been in the past. We urge U.S.
cooperation has as its main aim the good
not solve the problem, because it would
bankers to place considerations of
of all nations, the proper utilization of
leave the underlying systemic causes of
justice and coresponsibility above those
their human resources, the development
the present crisis - both structural and
of short-term financial gain or loss.
of their capacities, the optimum ex-
behavioral - intact. Therefore, we
They should use their unique influence
ploitation of their territory, the accep-
believe that future lending to Third
as leaders in the world financial com-
tance of their particular contribution to
World countries should be designed to
munity to forge just and lasting solu-
the richness of the whole human com-
benefit all the inhabitants equitably.
tions to the debt crisis in each of the
munity, even if this richness cannot be
62. We desire and urgently plead
most affected nations.
measured in economic terms."
that considerations of justice, human
57. Pope John Paul II's exhor-
59. In "Economic Justice for
dignity and human rights enter central-
tation in a private audience with
All," we restated the classic principles
ly into the decisions made about this and
members of the board of the Chase
of justice:
other social justice issues. Solving the
Manhattan Bank on June 19, 1989, is
"Commutative justice calls for
problem of Third World debt will take
particularly relevant and helpful:
fundamental fairness in all agreements
time - but not as much, we hope, as
"Your position as business
and exchanges between individuals or
the problem itself has taken to develop
leaders and board members of a
private social groups Distributive
and be recognized. But while the longer-
prestigious international bank enables
justice requires that the allocation of in-
term systemic change is being pursued,
you to understand and to influence the
come, wealth and power in society be
there also needs to be immediate action
complex, interdependent economic life
evaluated in light of its effects on per-
to assist the victims. Our brother
of today's world I am thinking in
sons whose basic material needs are
bishops remind us repeatedly that many
particular of the international debt ques-
unmet Social justice implies that per-
persons, human beings created in God's
tion, which remains a serious threat to
sons have an obligation to be active and
image, especially the most vulnerable -
the peace and progress of the human
productive participants in the life of
women and children - - are literally dy-
family. The Holy See has urged
society and that society has a duty to
ing of the consequences of the debt. And
greater human solidarity and mutual
enable them to participate in this way"
that is intolerable.
Bishop McHugh/Medical Ethics
Artificially Assisted
Nutrition and Hydration
"Artificially assisted nutrition
primarily on the "permanently un-
care requires medical technology, unless
and hydration are not customarily
conscious but non-dying patient, while
or until the benefits of nutrition and
burdensome. Moreover, such nutrition
also presenting ethical principles for
hydration are clearly outweighed by a
and hydration "are not useless, Bishop
other cases. He noted that more than
definite danger or burden, or they are
James McHugh of Camden, N.J., said
one position is found among Catholic
clearly useless in sustaining life."
in a paper titled "Principles in Regard
theologians on artificially assisted nutri-
McHugh said the matter of intent is im-
to Withholding or Withdrawing Ar-
tion and hydration. But, he said, "a
portant in such cases. "If the
tificially Assisted Nutrition/Hydra-
more convincing approach holds that
withholding or withdrawal of nutrition
tion. He said in a cover letter Sept. 21
food and water are not primarily forms
is intended to cause or hasten death, the
to Camden priests that the New Jersey
of therapeutic medical treatment
intention then is euthanasia. He cau-
bishops had agreed to mail the paper to
Rather, they are basic means of sustain-
tioned against introducing "a new cause
their priests and that it "should be seen
ing life Thus nutrition and hydration
of death, that is, starvation and
314
as the direction to be followed in our
should be provided as part of a patient's
dehydration. His paper follows. (See
diocese. McHugh's paper focused
normal care, even if provision of such
also the two texts on continuing or
06/23/92 10:47
202 328 6271
POLEM WASH DC>
1
001
AMBASADA
POLSKIEJ
W WASZYNGTONIE
EMBASSY
FAX TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET
OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND
2640 16TH STREET. N.W.
Date: June 23, 1992
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20009
Pages: 2
TELEPHONE /202/ 234-3800
Fax No: 456-6218
FAX /202/ 328-6271
To:
Mr. Gary gershovitz, White House
From: Andrzej Jarecki, Counselor for Cultural Affairs
Message: Dear Mr. Gershovitz,
It is my pleasure to help you with Polish National
Anthem. Be carefull, please, because of very literally,
verbally translation to English. It is not adequate
as a' poetry.
Socciting
And feml-
NATIONAL ANTHEM
being a combat song and was performed only
during state ceremonies. Most probably it be-
The Polish national anthem is popularly
came the dynastic hymn of the Jagiellonians.
known as Dąbrowski's Mazurka. It was com-
After the death of the last of the dynasty it was
posed in 1797 by Józef Wybicki in Reggio (Ita-
sung only in churches.
(y) in 1797, for the Pollsh Legions established
In the years of the Partitions and after the re-
by gen. Henryk Dąbrowski with consent from
gaining of independence in 1918, Dąbrowski's
gen. Bonaparte. But shortly it gained a popula-
Mazurka, whose opening lines are Poland has
rity and was generally. sung by people living in
not yet perished, as long as we live was sung
X
all three parts of partitioned Poland. It was
as a national anthem. It was officially pro-
sung both during national uprisings and va-
claimed in 1926.
rious patriotic demonstrations. Soldiers of
In 1978 a Museum of National Anthem open-
World War I also sang it and in 1918 it became
ed in Będomin near Kościerzyna, the birth-
an unofficial national anthem.
place of J. Wybicki.
The lyrics of the hymn, called Mazurka after
a folk dance, were repeatedly changed, their fi-
Alls Mazurks (J-118)
/
nal version being officially approved in 1926
when it was officially proclaimed Poland's na-
tional anthem.
Je-szcre Po-iska nie zging 18-, kie dy my ty- je my.
Dabrowski's Mazurka had had no predeces-
sors. During the reign of the Piast dynasty
there was no song which would function as an
Co nam o bca prze-moc wziq - is sza-bia o-dble- rze- my.
anthem, while under the Jagiellonian dynasty
mf
such role was partly played by Bogurodzica
(Mother of God) which was sung in the Battle
Maraz,
marsz,
D4-
bro
-
wski,
Z
zie
-
mi
who
skiej
do
Po- Iskii
of Grunwald in 1410. and the Battle of Varna in
14
1444. So it was part a religious hymn and part
a combat song. In the 16th century it stopped
Za two-im prze- wo- dem Ita-czym się zna- ro- dem. -ro -ro-dem.
POLISH NATIONAL ANTHEM
1. JESZCZE POLSKA NIE ZGINEŁA,
Poland will not be lost
KIEDY MY ZYJEMY,
CO NAM OBCA PRZEMOC WZIĘŁA,
untill we live.
SZABLA ODBIERZEMY.
We will fight for everything that our enemies
had taken from us.
MARSZ, MARSZ, DABROWSKI,
Z ZIEMI WŁOSKIEJ DO POLSKI!
March, march Dąbrowski,
ZA TWOIM PRZEWODEM
from Italy to Poland!
Złączym SIE Z NARODEM.
Under your command
we will unite.
2. PRZEJDZIEM WISLE, PRZEJDZIEM WARTE.
BĘDZIEM POLAKAMI,
2. We will cross the Vistula and Warto Rivers,
DAE NAM PRZYKLAD BONAPARTE,
we will be Poles,
JAK ZWYCIEZAC MAMY.
Bonaparte showed us how to win.
MARSZ, MÁRSZ, DABROWSKI..
March, march Dąbrowski
...
3. JAK CZARNIECKI DO POZNANIA
3. Like Czamiecki to Poznań
PO SZWEDZKIM ZABORZE
after Swedish annexation
DLA OJCZYZNY RATOWANLA
we will come back across the sea
WRÓCIM SIE PRZEZ MORZE.
to save our motherland.
MARSZ, MARSZ, DABROWSKI.
March, march Dąbrowski
4. JUŻ TAM OJCIEC DO SWEJ BASI
4. Father says to his wife Basia in tears:
MÓWI ZAPEAKANY:
"listen only, apparently our people ave
,,SŁUCHAJ JENO, PONO NASI
beating the ketile - - drums".
BUA W TARABANY".
March, march Dqbrowski ...
MARSZ, MARSZ, DABROWSKI..
JÓZEF WYBICKI
(Hinchliffe/Gershowitz)
June 25, 1992 11 a.m.
POLAND Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: WORKING LUNCH TOAST
POLAND
JULY 5, 1992
[ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS] I'm proud to represent the American
people, your friends, here at your table. When we lift our
glasses, it will be freedom that we salute. Yesterday, my
country celebrated the anniversary of our independence -- here,
today, we celebrate Poland's independence.
In this powerfully x resilient country, I remember an old now Bachman-
Polish proverb: "The world belongs to the brave. " For centuries
the Polish people have been astoundingly brave -- again and again
Division
willing to fight for your nationhood. But the Polish spirit
blazes with a hope that never dies: the belief, as your national
anthem proclaims, that "Poland will X not X perish as long as we
Y
live".
Throughout history, your country has risen like a Phoenix Fodor's 91
after oppression and devastation by outside forces. And you
Eastern
always held true to your noble past. In the Cathedral of St
273
Europe
John, I've seen a wonderful example of Poland's rebirth. After
Fodor's
the unspeakable destruction of WWII, you rebuilt this cathedral
'91
faithful to the original, a worthy symbol of your historic Third
Eastern
of May Constitution, confirmed there over two centuries ago.
Europe
And now right here, for the first time in history, a
communist government has been peacefully removed from power. The
ZYchlinsky
Mary
Polish people have made a reality of Pope John x Paul II's x words:
x
rican
congress
THE WHITE HOUSE
2
" man's existence X on earth become [s] more humane when it is
WASHINGTON
governed by truth, freedom, justice and by love. " From a speech POPEJOWN
Today, on behalf of the United States, I pledge our resolute
PaulII gaveon 'solidarity'-
provided by
support for Poland as it struggles to rebuild its economy. We A. Jarecki,
your courageous choice of free-market reform. And in the
toast the proud democratic spirit that flourishes here. We toast EMMASSY The Polish of
strongest tradition of Polish-American friendship, we toast the
good, brave, democracy-loving people of this land. STO-LOHT.
#####
"STO-LAT"
Jarechi,
polishErmassy Polish Embassy
Bob
for "WODKiNg lunch Toast" iN Poland;
Hutchings is With theNsc
Ellen CONWAY-POlaNd Desk-
State Department: 647-1070(01:0757)
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
25-Jun-1992 03:13PM
TO:
GARY J. GERSHOWITZ
FROM:
ELIZABETH M. HINCHLIFFE
686-6546
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
SUBJECT: HI
HI THERE. I'VE GONE THROUGH THE POLISH MATERIAL, AND THE FEW
THINGS LISTED BELOW ARE JUST ABOUT ALL I CAN THINK OF THAT WE
MIGHT NEED:
1. KEEP CHECKING WITH CHRISTINA ABOUT THE NSC DRAFTS.
2. I'D REALLY LIKE SOME QUOTES BY THE POPE ABOUT POLAND AND HER
FREEDOM -- MAYBE SOMETHING ABOUT WHEN SOLIDARITY WON THE ELECTIONS
(LATE JUNE OR EARLY JULY 89), OR WHEN LECH WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT
(12/22/90). INSPIRING QUOTE -- COMBINING POLITICS, RELIGION AND
DESTINY.
3. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE STATUS OF THE CONSTITUTION -- CAN WE STILL
1951- little CONStitutiON-TraNSitioN constitution to replace COMMUNIST
7/22/52
REFER TO THE MAY 3, 1791 CONSTITUTION AS THEIR CONSTITUTION?
4. Is THAT NATIONAL First ANTHEM iN STILL Europe THE t ONE 2nd THEY iN Woold USE? Next to AMe CON COMM
5. DOES THE NEW GOVERNMENT HAVE ANY KIND OF MOTTO OR SAYING?
6. Is THERE A POLISH SAYING FOR TOASTS? (E.G. "Bottoms UP!" "To
YOUR HEALTH")
NA ZDrowiE/ [FONYour
More iNformal
STO This is MORE Years, ceremonial CaN't 100 Years CoMeto of an Lifereement Health]
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
22-Jun-1992 09:36am
TO:
Gary J. Gershowitz
FROM:
Elizabeth M. Hinchliffe
Office of Communications
SUBJECT: hi
Hi there - --
Just some thoughts on what we can be doing this week to prepare
for the Polish speech -- obviously no rush, because we won't be
able to write anything until the NSC draft arrives.
1. Keep checking with Christina to see if the NSC draft is here.
2. Get copy of the other NSC Polish draft, also.
3. Please make a copy of the Polish material Carol gave to
Jeannie (from her pre-advance trip).
4. Get copies of previous working lunch toasts from various
trips.
5. Find out if July 5 (or any nearby date) is any special date in
Poland.
6. What date do they celebrate as their equivalent of
Independence Day? May3, is their National Day-~1791--the day the constation
7. What are the words of their National Anthem?
Gov Statute Was
8. Get quotes from famous (and appropriate) writers, statesmen,
and the Pope.
tit's
enacted
based on
our CONSTITUTION.
DR7
F63
991
Fodor's91
Eastern
Europe
2/5/91
PROPERTY OF
LIBRARY
-
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF
THE PRESIDENT
Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc.
New York & London
276
POLAND
W
times of Poland's greatest romantic poet, visit the Adam Mickiewicz Mu-
seum of Literature at no. 20.
Poland is a land of churches, and in your wanderings through the nar-
Castles and Columns
row streets of old Warsaw, you'll see a fair selection. The most important
Warsaw's most instantly reco₂
is the Cathedral of St. John, on the right of ul. Świętojańska as you walk
of Plac Zamkowy (Castle Squar
towards Rynek Starego Miasta. Destroyed like everything else in the area,
The tall, slender column carryir
it has been completely rebuilt, but in its original late 14th-century Gothic
(the one who made Warsaw his no
form, thus removing later accretions. Two Polish kings were crowned here
the honor of being Warsaw's syn
and the crypts contain the tombs of famous Poles, among them Henryk
was the first monument to be re
Sienkiewicz, whose story of life in early Christian Rome, Quo Vadis?, won
to trickle back into their devastat
the 1905 Nobel Prize for Literature. It was here that the historic Third
tered column have, in a typicall
of May Constitution, the first written constitution in Europe and the sec-
display in nearby Mariensztat M
ond in the world (after that of the United States), was confirmed by oath
The cleared site in front of th
in 1791. There is also a legend-a figure of the crucified Jesus in one of
stood empty for more than 25 yea
the chapels miraculously grew hair, which every year had to be cut by
again dominates the escarpment
a Warsaw virgin.
ration and furnishing of the interi
Next to the cathedral, separated by a narrow lane, is the Renaissance
the relearning of traditional skills.
Jesuit Church which was built in 1608 over the foundations of burgher
and even reopening disused quar
houses that had been destroyed in the fire of 1607 (the cellars are open
to the public). On the other side of the cathedral is the narrow ul. Dzie-
Down the Royal Road
kania, where you can still see the arcaded gallery that once connected the
cathedral with the Royal Castle. This was built to protect King Sigismund
All towns with kings had the
III Vasa after an attempt had been made on his life. The would-be assassin
stretches south from Castle Squ
was disposed of in a fairly thorough manner: he was torn apart by horses,
through busy Krakowskie Przedr
his body burnt and the ashes shot out of a gun. Further on, embedded
dowskie (a sort of Embassy Row
in the south wall of the cathedral, is a relic of World War II: the crawler-
Lazienki Park. Lots of "architect
chain of a self-propelled German Goliath mine. For a stroll down Old
some of Warsaw's finest churches
Warsaw's most picturesque street, cross over into medieval ul. Piwna, run-
you'll find the names of famo
ning parallel to ul. Świętojańska.
Skłodowska carried out her first e)
The surviving remnants of the 15th- and 16th-century fortifications that
in the building adjoining St. Anne
once circled the Old Town have been partially restored, and in summer
Mickiewicz; Tadeusz Kościuszko,
are often bedecked with modern pictures, which you are earnestly invited
States, received his military educ
to buy. On the northern side is the Barbican, a carefully restored and fairly
the Casimir Palace in the second
rare example of medieval defensive architecture, leading through into
neo-Classical Staszic Palace, whic
Warsaw's "New Town"-which was actually founded at the turn of the
end of the street, is a statue (1930
14th and 15th centuries! This part of Warsaw was rebuilt after the war
pernicus by the famous Danish SC
in 18th- and 19th-century style, so has a more elegant and spacious feel
the name of Frederick Chopin th
about it than the Old Town. Of interest are: the Marie Curie-Skłodowska
As a child he played in the Casim
Museum at ul. Freta 16, where the Polish discoverer of radium and poloni-
in the Radziwill Palace and then n
um was born; the Baroque Church and Convent of the Blessed Sacrament
kie Przedmieście, now the Acader
Sisters in the Rynek Nowomiejski (New Town Market), founded in 1688
Chopin Family Drawing Room, th
home before he went abroad. He
by Queen Marysieńka Sobieska to commemorate her husband's victory
again, but his heart returned and
over the Turks; and the Gothic Church of the Visitation on an embank-
ment overlooking the Vistula, the oldest church in the New Town, with
Church a short distance away. O
a 16th-century belfry that survived the war remarkably undamaged.
The famous name in Nowy Swia
heard of him. Mr. Blikle's confect
At the intersection of Dluga and Miodowa streets a major new monu-
nuts here for over 100 years, and
ment, unveiled in 1989, marks the site of a manhole through which 5,300
Lent (a kind of Polish "Pancake 1
insurgents escaped by way of a sewer canal from the Old Town through
hits Warsaw and every last one of
to the City Center and Zoliborz during the Warsaw uprising in September
off the shelves. Those who know
1944. Anyone who has seen Wajda's shattering film Canal won't need re-
that it's the instantly recognizable
minding of the horrors of this journey through the sewers.
you can buy bigger, better, and cl
264
POLAND
INTRODUCING POLAND
265
reconstruction was begun. By 1923 the Poles were building up industry,
darity), led by its charismatic leader, the shipyard worker Lech Wałęsa.
particularly coal-mining and shipbuilding, and were constructing a new
The union's popularity and enthusiasm for democratic change, however,
naval base and commercial harbor at Gdynia.
alarmed the government, and martial law was declared in December 1981.
But economic, ethnic and political problems constantly plagued the
Solidarność was subsequently banned, forcing it to continue its existence
country. Party strife intensified, governments rose and fell. In 1926 her
underground. Eight years later, popular pressure forced the government
war hero Marshal Pilsudski, the man to whom she owed her freedom,
to reinstate the union and introduce measured democratic reforms. Poland
marched on Warsaw and took control, establishing what was virtually a
was the first country in Eastern Europe to appoint a noncommunist Prime
military dictatorship. He remained the arbiter of his country's destiny,
Minister, although most Poles agree that there is still a long way to go
with one brief interval, until his death in 1935, and then left his less compe-
before all their aspirations are met.
tent lieutenants and nominees to carry on the work.
Poland Today
World War II and After
Forty-five years of Communist rule failed to produce the economic mir-
It was in Poland that World War II began. On 1st September 1939 the
acle experienced by the democratic countries of Western Europe. Al-
Germans invaded the country in pursuance of Hitler's territorial demands.
though big strides have been made in industrialization and education,
An extraordinary diplomatic coup the previous month had secured the
standards of living in Poland remain low and life is hard. The country
Soviet Union's approval of the invasion-at a price. With Hitler's blessing,
has been racked by a decade of economic crises. For the average Pole, this
the Red Army entered eastern Poland and in a short space of time the
means shortages of consumer goods, inflation, poor welfare services and
whole nation was split down the middle, half occupied by the Nazis and
a waiting period of some 20 years for houses.
the other half by the Soviets.
Poland is predominantly a youthful nation (the average age of the popu-
No nation suffered more terror, death, and devastation in World War
lation is 28, and is the lowest in Europe) and the hopes and expectations
II than Poland. Six million Polish citizens, half of them Jews, were exter-
of this generation, which has listened to promises for so long, are far from
minated. Millions more were deported for forced labor. Many cities and
satisfied.
huge areas of countryside were destroyed. Yet despite the severe repres-
Despite communism's traditional wariness of priestly involvement in
sion, Polish soldiers and civilians set up the most widespread and possibly
politics, the majority of Poles remain practicing Catholics and community
most effective of Europe's underground organizations. Thousands of Pol-
life is still focused on the church. Poland's bond with Rome in the present
ish sailors, soldiers, and airmen also managed to find their way to Britain
decade has been firmly cemented by the election of one of her archbishops
from where they went on to fight alongside the Allies.
to the papacy as Pope John Paul II.
The defeat of Germany in 1945 permitted the Soviet Union to "liberate"
the whole country. The Polish people found themselves with no alternative
The Cultural Scene
but to accept Soviet-style communism. The country was thus duly turned
into a People's Republic and had to endure a grim chapter of Stalinist re-
The Polish writer who is best known outside Poland is Joseph Conrad,
pression.
born Józef Korzeniowski (1857-1924), author of some classic English nov-
All the enslaved nations faced enormous reconstruction problems after
els of the sea. He did not learn English until he was 20, but became one
the war, but none so much as ruined and famine-stricken Poland. To re-
of the greatest novelists in the language. Even in Poland his Typhoon, Lord
vive her major industries and her agriculture took longer than many Poles
Jim and The Outcast of the Islands are widely read. Of Polish authors writ-
thought reasonable; a further cause of disaffection was the increasing pres-
ing in Polish, Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1916) received the Nobel Prize
sure which the government put on the Catholic Church, an institution of
for Literature on the strength of his one memorable novel Quo Vadis?
central importance in the spiritual and moral life of the nation. In 1956
Władysław Reymont (1868-1925) also won the Nobel Prize-in 1924 for
the people's patience ran out and, following civil disturbances, the govern-
his novel Chłopi (The Peasants)-but his near-contemporary Witold
ment leadership was changed in favor of a more liberal regime under
Gombrowicz (1904-1969) is more admired. Gombrowicz's best-known
Wladyslaw Gomulka.
novel Ferdydurke had the distinction of being banned by both prewar
right-wing and postwar left-wing governments. The third and most recent
The Bubbling Pot
Polish Nobel laureate (1980) is Czesław Milosz. In books such as The Cap-
tive Mind, Milosz deals outspokenly with the plight of intellectuals who
Sadly, Gomulka's promises of a better life under communism fell short
are forced into compromise with a rigid political system.
of expectations, and by 1970, following riots and reprisals, he was forced
to stand down. A new reformist and ostensibly liberal regime under First
Polonaise and Mazurka
Secretary Edward Gierek took over. Gierek embarked on an ambitious
but poorly conceived program of industrialization and modernization,
Poland could fairly claim to have been the fountainhead of popular
which by the late 1970s disintegrated into an economic crisis. Nationwide
music in Europe, from the 18th century to the period Chopin (1810-1849)
strikes, initially against food prices, broke out in 1980 and led to the forma-
was alive. Her polonaises and mazurkas whirled their way round the conti-
tion of Eastern Europe's first independent trades union, Solidarność (Soli-
nent, her stirring march tunes set feet tapping to unfamiliar rhythms.
INTRODUCING POLAND
263
area. The first crowned king of Poland was Boleslaus "The Brave" who
consolidated the power of the country's first great dynasty, the Piasts.
Boleslaus was a good fighting man and under him the kingdom was en-
larged, but after his death it gradually fell to pieces. Neighboring countries
seized part of it while the rest, though continually ravaged by the Mongols
who pushed into Europe during the Middle Ages, was divided up into
www.in
petty dukedoms. The feudal landowners quarreled with each other, big
chieftains swallowed little chieftains and those who survived became the
ancestors of the proud Polish aristocracy. They grew rich and powerful
and their estates were the size of small countries.
In the 14th century Poland was again reunited, and under Casimir the
Great she became a great power. Casimir took the first sensible steps to
develop the economy and make the country prosperous. It is said of Ca-
simir that "he found a Poland of wood and left her built of stone." In due
course a grand-niece succeeded Casimir, and by her marriage to the Grand
Duke of Lithuania she united Poland and Lithuania thus founding the
family of Jagellon, Poland's second great dynastic line. In 1410 her hus-
band achieved an important victory at the battle of Grunwald (Tannen-
Poland. berg) over the league of Teutonic Knights that had long tried to dominate
The Knights returned again and again. Long wars were fought in East
Prussia (was this when Hamlet's father "smote the sledded Polacks on
the ice"?), but Poland at last emerged from them with a settled coastline
on the Baltic. The Poles revealed an unsuspected talent for building ships
INTRODUCING POLAND
and sailing them. Around 1500, as an agricultural and maritime land, she
was a power to be reckoned with in European affairs. As is so often the
case, power led to prosperity and the 16th century subsequently became
Throughout their troubled history the Poles have been set down by
a golden age of economic and cultural development.
other Europeans as strange, wild, unpredictable and given to excesses; en-
When the royal Jagellons died out in 1572, Poland's nobility began
thusiastic eaters and drinkers, suckers for a noble cause, inclined to go
electing her monarchs, not always from among themselves but sometimes
over the top on slight provocation without a thought for the consequences.
from foreign stock in order to separate the crown from the domestic feuds
Yet it is precisely these characteristics that have enabled the Poles to en-
of the court officials. Domestic or foreign, her kings knew no peace. No
dure even the most difficult of times and still retain their dignity and sense
sooner had the threat from the west been dealt with than another sprang
of humor.
up in the east: the rising power of Russia and Turkey.
Seeing the confines of the state reorganized has been a Polish experience
In 1683 King John Sobieski defeated the Turks at the gates of Vienna
for several centuries. Like other nations in the historically unsettled region
and rescued Christian Europe from the Ottoman onslaught. But Poland's
of Central Europe, Poland has been embroiled in the power struggles of
neighbors rewarded her sacrifices by taking advantage of her exhaustion
larger nation-states, fought over by warring Slav and Mongol hordes,
and moving in with invading armies. Piece by piece Russia, Prussia and
squeezed almost out of existence by the mutually hostile great powers-
Austria dismembered her until, a century later, scarcely anything was left
Russia, Prussia, Austria-Hungary-on her borders. Yet today she remains
of the proud kingdom but the unquenchable patriotism of her people.
by far the largest of the Warsaw Pact countries apart from the Soviet
Exiled Poles, unable to help their native land, led freedom movements in
Union.
distant countries. In the American War of Independence, for example, Pu-
Poland does not easily fit one's preconceptions of a state that was under
laski died for the colonial cause and Kościuszko distinguished himself.
Communist rule for 45 years. The country's peculiarities include the fact
that more than 80% of the land is under private ownership, and a popula-
Into the 20th Century
tion that, despite 45 years of atheistic Communism, profoundly
Roman Catholic. Moreover, Polish culture both past and present is strong-
Rebellions in Poland, mostly romantic and ill-conceived adventures,
ly Western oriented, and has continued to flourish with or without govern-
brought harsh reprisals from her foreign occupiers but helped to keep the
ment approval.
national spirit alive. During this period many Poles fled poverty and re-
pression in their country to seek a new life in America and other countries.
The People and Their Past
Those that stayed had to wait, as did other European peoples, for the 1919
Versailles settlement to grant them freedom and independence.
Poland came into existence as a separate unit in the 10th century when
The early interwar years were a difficult time for the Poles. An invading
one of the Slavic tribes, the Polanie, began to lord over other Slavs in the
force from Soviet Russia was defeated, and the daunting task of national
262
266
POLAND
INTRODUCING POLAND
267
The works of Frédéric Chopin, her greatest composer, took their roots
There has been cinema in Poland since 1909, but Polish movies were
from folk rhythms and melodies of exclusively Polish invention. Equally
almost unheard-of abroad until an eruption of outstanding films occurred
indebted to the national heritage of song and dance were Henryk
in the 1950s. Andrzej Wajda, Roman Polanski and Krzysztof Zanussi are
Wieniawski (1835-1880), a celebrated violinist as well as a composer, and
perhaps the best known Polish film directors in the West. One of Andrzej
Karol Szymanowski, who flourished early this century. Among renowned
Wajda's trilogy, Ashes and Diamonds, made an international star of the
living composers and conductors are Witold Lutosławski and Kryzysztof
late Zbigniew Cybulski, dubbed the James Dean of Poland. Wajda is now
Penderecki, the latter an important innovator. Immortal virtuosi on violin
the patriarch of Polish cinema, revered at home and abroad, and still capa-
and piano have sprung from Poland's large Jewish community. The man-
ble-as his masterpieces Man of Iron, Man of Marble, and Danton
tle of Ignacy Paderewski settled on the shoulders of Artur Rubinstein and
showed-of keeping up the momentum of his country's movie renaissance.
has now passed to Krystian Zimmerman.
A dense network of musical institutions covers the whole country.
Every major city has its opera company and symphony orchestra and nu-
merous semi-professional ensembles. Poles respond avidly to music-
where but in Poland would you find a musician elected to the highest polit-
ical office, as Paderewski was? A concert by the National Philharmonic
of Warsaw or the Great Symphony of Katowice is a red-letter event, and
audiences discuss the performances of individual musicians the way spec-
tators in some countries discuss football players.
Art and Architecture
The best of native architecture is seen in the old city of Cracow with
its well-preserved or restored medieval and Renaissance buildings. All
over the country fine manor houses and palaces have been rebuilt in their
original styles. If contemporary architecture is not especially exciting, con-
temporary art is vigorous and imaginative and of global significance. From
Toronto to Tasmania, one-man shows by living Polish painters and sculp-
tors are a feature of gallery programs.
The works of the "constructivists," from Stażweski and Kantor on-
wards, are brilliantly displayed in the national museums of Warsaw and
Poznań and at the modern arts museum in Lódź, whose director is the
much-respected Ryszard Stanisławski. There are sculpture galleries in
Warsaw's parks and the leading 20th-century sculptor, Xawery Duni-
kowski, has a special Warsaw gallery, the Królikarnia.
Stage and Screen
Theater in Poland enjoys high prestige in an open-minded and artistical-
ly enlightened society. The standard of stage design is particularly high:
the best artists do not disdain to compete for this kind of work. Jerzy Gro-
towski, impresario and director of the Laboratory Theater of Wrocław,
is a household name abroad-he pioneered "essential" theater, which is
serious, austere and intent on keeping the actor at the center of the drama.
The Laboratory Theater has toured in France, Germany and the U.S.A.
Possibly the best-known Polish playwright living is Slawomir Mrożek,
author of some avant-garde comedies and a favorite of the more progres-
sive young directors. But foreign drama is extremely popular too, if it is
sharp and witty or if it comes into the category of "world literature." Both
in large cities and in provincial towns the broad cosmopolitan sweep of
drama is covered, from Shakespeare to Albee (Tiny Alice and Who's Afraid
of Virginia Woolf? played to packed houses in Warsaw and Cracow) and
from adaptations of Dostoevsky to adaptations of James Joyce and Samuel
Beckett.
WARSAW
273
of theaters, museums, swimming pools, libraries, restaurants, a cellar
nightclub and, of course, the Academy of Science. From the pinnacle of
the palace you can see the river Vistula to the east, with three of its bridges,
the Slasko-Dąbrowski, Poniatowskiego and Syreny, crossing to the Praga
side of the city.
Praga was the poor quarter of Warsaw up until the war, housing the
working and artisan classes. The area was virtually undamaged during the
war, and despite the introduction of new industry and housing estates it
has managed to retain a specific character of its own best seen by visiting
the Różycki bazaar on ul. Targowa 55-57.
The Old Town
The rebuilding of the historic Old Town district of Warsaw, situated
on an escarpment on the left bank of the Vistula, is a real phoenix-risen-
from-the-ashes story. Post-war architects, determined to get it absolutely
as it was before, turned to old prints, photographs in family albums and
paintings, in particular the detailed views of the 18th-century Bernardo
Bellotto (the nephew of Canaletto). This eliminated some of the later, less-
attractive buildings, but resulted in a curious back-to-front situation, since
some of Bellotto's views were painted not from real life but from sketches
of projects that were never realized. Whatever your feelings about repro-
duction architecture-and there's an awful lot of it in Warsaw-it seems
WARSAW
to have worked here. The warm, pastel colors have "aged" attractively,
and the atmosphere is further enhanced by the fact that the Old Town
is closed to all traffic except horse-drawn cabs.
The Phoenix City
The narrow houses, little winding streets and numerous churches clus-
ter round a living replica of the city's old market place-the cobblestoned
Rynek Starego Miasta-with its pretty house fronts, wrought-iron grill-
In January 1945, Warsaw-Poland's capital since the early 17th century-
work and steep tiled roofs, all charmingly uneven. The old Town Hall that
was a heart-breaking, barren, depopulated desert of ruin and rubble, a
once stood in the middle of the square was pulled down in the early 19th
prostrate victim of systematic Nazi destruction. Only a third of its prewar
century; it was not replaced and today the square is full of open-air cafés,
population remained. But Warsaw's survivors, determined to rebuild their
tubs of flowering plants, and earnest guided tourists. The whole is a sort
ancient city, set about the task so energetically that today the hollow shells
of cleaned-up version of Montmartre, with the inevitable art students dis-
of buildings have disappeared and there is a new Warsaw of a million-plus
playing their talents in and around the square throughout the summer.
inhabitants. Across what was once a giant construction site, stretch wide
At night the Rynek is romantically floodlit and if you're after good food
avenues, new apartment houses, handsome buildings, broad parks, and
and atmosphere this is definitely the place to head for.
painstakingly accurate replicas of Warsaw's old quarters. Historically,
For those with time to stop and stare, however, the frescoes and archi-
Warsaw is a relatively new city, as you will be told by an ultra-conservative
tectural details on the late Renaissance and Baroque facades round the
Cracovian, who will dismiss the 13th-century city's inhabitants as nouveau
square will be a delight. For legend-lovers there are the vaults of the Ba-
riche wheeler-dealers; all in strictly friendly rivalry of course. The capital
zyliszek restaurant where, the story goes, there used to live a basilisk with
of the Duchy of Mazovia until 1526, Warsaw was in that year incorporated
a literally deadly glance. Undeterred, an enterprising young shoemaker's
into the Kingdom of Poland when the last duke died without an heir.
apprentice got himself a suit of many mirrors to confront the Terror of
From then on its prosperity was assured and in 1611, after Wawel Castle
Warsaw. The monster saw himself-and died. The "Negro House" at no.
in Cracow had burnt down and the king transferred his court here, it be-
36 ("Pod Murzynkiem") has a fine Renaissance doorway and a sculpted
came the capital (the king also found that it was a much better place from
black man's head on the wall (not difficult to guess that the former occu-
which to keep a wary eye on the Swedes marauding on the Baltic Sea).
pants of the house were engaged in "overseas trade"). During the war the
With ironic humor, Warsaw citizens will tell you that the best vantage
building miraculously survived and today, together with the seven adjoin-
point from which to admire their rebuilt city is from the top of the 37-story
ing houses, it is the home of the Warsaw Historical Museum (chamber
(234-meter high) Palace of Culture and Science on pl. Defilad (Parade
concerts here every Tuesday; also a moving 15-minute documentary film
Square). Why? Because it's the only spot from which you can avoid look-
showing Warsaw "before" and "after"). The House of the Mazovian
ing at the Palace of Culture and Science-a wedding-cake-skyscraper gift
Dukes, or St. Anne's House (no. 31), is one of the oldest in the square
from Stalin. Built in "Stalin-Gothic" style, it houses an impressive number
and has the greatest number of surviving Gothic details. For the life and
272
JUN 25 '92 15:17
P.1
CONCERN
POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS, Inc.
NATIONAL OFFICE:
WASHINGTON OFFICE
INCORPORATED
5711 North Milwaukee Avenue
1625 K Street, N.W., Suite 505
Chicago, Illinois 60646
Washington, D.C. 20006
(312) 763-9944
(202) 296-6955
Fax (312) 763-7114
Fax (202) 835-1565
FAX COVER SHEET
TO:
WHITE HOUSE
ATTN: JEFF HOCHBERG
DATE:
JUNE 25, 1992
FROM:
CAS LENARD
MESSAGE:
11 ZA NASZA I WASZA WOLNOSC"
FOR YOUR AND OUR FREEDOM"
In 1830, by Polish writer, Joachim Lelewel.
Later picked up and used as a call to Freedom.
Number of pages including cover sheet
/
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JUN 25 '92 16:57
P.1
COMUNITY
POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS, Inc.
NATIONAL OFFICE:
WASHINGTON OFFICE
INCORPORA
5711 North Milwaukee Avenue
1625 K Street, N.W., Suite 505
Chicago, Illinois 60646
Washington, D.C. 20006
(312) 763-9944
(202) 296-6955
Fax (312) 763-7114
Fax (202) 835-1565
FAX COVER SHEET
TO:
W : Et
ATTN: GARY GERSHWITZ (?)
DATE: 6-25-92
FROM: CAS LENARD
N/P
MESSAGE:
shown
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try:
ZA
NA showns
E,
shown
VOL NO No sdr strch ch
VAshowni
75ch- the
Cap
Number of pages including cover sheet
(
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02 '92
FOURSH COMERESS
POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS, Inc.
NATIONAL OFFICE:
WASHINGTON OFFICE
JACORPORATION
5711 North Milwaukee Avenue
1625 K Street, N.W., Suite 505
Chicago, Illinois 60646
Washington, D.C. 20006
(312) 763-9944
(202) 296-6955
Fax (312) 763-7114
Fax (202) 835-1565
FAX COVER SHEET
TO:
Mr. Gary Gershowitz
The White House
ATTN:
DATE: July 2, 1992
FROM: Myra Lenard
Mary Gystlinsbi for Mym Lenard
MESSAGE: Destruction of Warsaw
Number of pages including cover sheet 7
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JUL 02 '92 15:33
P.2
The Nazis had no scruples in their choice of methods to suppress the Uprising Mass
executions of soldiers taken prisoner and of civillans: women and children driven as
a screen in front of the tanks advancing upon the insurgents' barricades; the bombing
of all parts of the city by artillery and from the air; setting fire to buildings and
streets - all this, in addition to the unceasing horror of relentless fighting in a city
with more than a million people in it, was part of Warsaw's experience in August
and September 1944.
Upon the capitulation of the Insurgents the supreme authorities of the Third Reich
issued orders for the complete evacuation of the city. Within a few days the whole
population was forced to abandon all that was left of their homes and, taking nothing
but a little bundle in hand, turn up for transports which took some of them to other
parts of the Government General others to work in factories within the Reich, and
others yet to slave labour and concentration camps.
And now the Nazis started their final, decisive attack - this time on a city already
deserted, half-ruined in the course of hostilities.
This incredible campaign of destruction was based on a special order of Hitler's,
discovered soon afterwards among the papers of the civilian administration of the
Warsaw District.
Here is an excerpt of that document:
Warsaw, October 11, 1944, 10.30 a.m.
No. 13,265
Re: New policy on Poland
Alter the call paid ty SS Obergruppenführer von dem Bach on the Commander-
in-Chiei of the SS, I have the following to communicate:
...2) Obergruppeniührer von dem Bach has received 0 new order: Warsaw shall
be pacified, l.e., razed to the ground while the war still lasts, unless military
necessity connected with fortliications should make that impracticable. Before
destruction, all raw materials, textiles and furniture are to be removed. The
15
main responsibility for the fulfilment of this task rests with the General Admin-
istration.
I am bringing the above to your notice because this new order ol the Führer is
of the utmost importance for the new policy on Poland (Neue Polenpolitik).
Signed: Dr. Fischer.
Governor of Warsaw District (temporarily at Sochaczew).
On the basis of numerous documents and depositions of war criminals responsible for
the crime perpetrated on Warsaw, who were questioned by the Polish and the Allied
authorities and by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, it is possible
today to find out exactly how Hitler's special order, by which Warsaw was to be
"razed to the ground," was carried into effect.
The whole campaign was directed by a special staff which divided Warsaw into
districts and quarters. Buildings and blocks were pedantically marked with numbers
and dates indicating the order in which they were to be destroyed. After shipping to
Germany all that was left of material resources, and after plundering the cellars and
interiors of all buildings, special units - Sprengkommandos and Vernichtungskomman-
dos - went into action.
With the help of combustible liquids and flame-throwers, building upon building and
street upon street were set afire. After burning, the ruins were blown up.
In March 1945, in a small town named Leszno Wielkopolskie, a set of 137 pedantically
filed and described photographs were found in a flat belonging to engineer-architect
Alfred Mensenpach, most of them were pictures taken during that campaign of de-
struction, For engineer-architect Mensenbach, Fellow of the Reichskammer der bilden-
den Künste, an organization in which the creative workers and artists of the Third
Reich were associated, had been & member of one of the afore-mentioned Spreng-
kommandos and had evidently wished to perpetuate his share in that truly unusual
campaign.
Special units were assigned to the task of destroying historic buildings, monuments,
museums, libraries and archives. Those units benefited from the advice of experts - art
17
JUL 02 '92 15:34
historians, architects, etc. - who told them which buildings, monuments and collections P.3
were to be destroyed in the first place as representing particular historic or artistic
value.
In spite of the great damage wrought in the course of the Uprising itself, the losses
suffered at that time by archives, museums and libraries amounted to not more than
10 or 15 per cent of their holdings. This was due to their being hidden and protected
against the effects of hostilities by the Polish staffs of those institutions. Now the
Nazi detachments, after removing from Warsaw an insignificant part of the saved
collections, proceeded to destroy the rest. The Varsoviana museum - the largest and
only one of its kind in Poland, the Municipal Archives, and two State Archives were
burnt one after the other. All the unique, century-old documents, manuscripts, parch-
ments, books and records - invaluable treasures of culture and history - fell prey to
fire. It was only by à strange coincidence that the National Library was. saved from the
disaster: it was set afire carelessly and the fire went out by itself.
In the six largest archives and library collections, ultimate losses reached 80 to 100
per cent.
In December, Warsaw's most important monuments were blown up or smashed to
pieces: the statues of Micklewicz, of Copernicus, of Ponlatowski (the latter two were
the work of the celebrated Danish sculptor Thorwaldsen), and many others. In the
same month specialists proceeded to destroy palaces, churches and other historic
buildings.
The thorough and methodical way in which Hitler's order was carried out verges on
the insane. Specially equipped detachments destroyed the city's underground instal-
lations; tanks were used to pull electric cables out of the earth. Other special units
were charged with the task of destroying parks and open spaces, felling trees, etc.
Lastly, some special squads first plundered and then destroyed industrial buildings.
Nothing was left undone to carry Hitler's order into effect. Hence, in one of his last
addresses to the Reichstag, Hitler could well say that "Warsaw is now no more than
a geographical term on the map of Europe."
19
One other thing is worthy of note, particularly today, when so many attempts are
made to shift the entire blame for war crimes on the SS, the police and a few leading
personalities of the Nazi Reich, The destruction of Warsaw - both during the Uprising
and after its defeat - was a joint operation carried out not only by SS and police
forces but also by detachments and commanding officers of the regular Wehrmacht
and by the whole civilian administrative machine, with which even experts on art and
culture willingly and eagerly collaborated.
A particular and exceptional characteristic of the destruction of Warsaw was the fact
that, perhaps for the first time in world history, the almost total annihilation of a great
city was a deliberate political move, planned beforehand and methodically carried
into effect.
This conclusion can be drawn from a whole series of Nazi documents such as orders
issued by Hitler and Himmler, notes from "Frank's Diary" concerning Warsaw, and
various others.
And that was Chapter Three, the last chapter of the destruction of Warsaw.
When the Soviet and Polish troops entered Warsaw on January 17, 1945, the "libera-
tion of the capital city" could be spoken of only in a purely symbolical sense. For the
city was one vast field of ruins and cinders, and its people had been murdered, killed
in battle. or deported.
The balance of the damage was terrible. In this case even bare figures were poignantly
eloquent. And it must be remembered that behind each figure were the misfortunes
and tragedies of men and women: the loss of their nearest and dearest, of homes, of
possessions accumulated in a lifetime of hard work. Those figures, when tabulated
reveal the truth: the complete annihilation of the capital of a State and of a people.
And here are some of the figures:
Out of Warsaw's pre-war population, over 300,000 people perished in the battles for
the city, in concentration camps and in executions.
20
1945
99
JUL 02 '92 15:35
P.5
1962
St. John's Cathedral
57
60
1945
1112
"
SIL
1681
1962
Old Town Market Square Dekert's side
61
111
TIL
imini
111
FLATT
111
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