“I would like to remind you that the issue of compensation and reparations has never been regulated in Polish-German bilateral relations. It is unprecedented that Poland is the only country in the world with which Germany does not have any agreement eliminating the effects of World War II” – Deputy Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk said during the Congress for Independence, which was taking place on October 1-4 in Warsaw and Lublin.
The deputy minister recalled that “over recent months, the German government has not initiated dialogue with our country”. “Even though we have held dozens of meetings with German politicians, to this day there is no understanding in Germany about this matter. Moreover, there is a conspiracy of silence that they will not talk about this matter with Poland. This is a clear mistake by Berlin and a sign of the lack of understanding of the seriousness of the matter and an example a non-serious approach to this unresolved Polish-German historical problem, but also an example of how not to treat a NATO or European Union partner” – he assessed the situation.
Mularczyk emphasized that “Germany, as a state, not only robbed Poland of the most valuable resources, primarily people, intelligentsia, professors, clergy, but also of cultural treasures, national wealth and financial resources, even during the period of systemic transformation, Poland’s exit from from the communist period to a democratic state, Germany cynically pursued a policy of building their influence – economic, political – economic expansion to the real detriment of Polish sovereignty and independence”. “We still feel the effects of this. We still see the consequences” – he said.
“We therefore do not agree to further disregard of Poland, to further disregard of the citizens of our country, regardless of their religion and origin, regardless of whether they were Poles, Jews or had another nationality. Out of respect for their suffering, the response of the German government should be different. Therefore, we encourage the Germans to enter into dialogue with Poland” – he appealed.
“I would like to remind you that the issue of compensation and reparations has never been regulated in Polish-German bilateral relations. It is unprecedented that Poland is the only country in the world with which Germany does not have any agreement eliminating the effects of World War II” – the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted.
“Due to this attitude of Germany, we, as a government, have taken a number of international actions. We have informed almost all international organizations, from the UN, through the Council of Europe, UNESCO, Strasbourg, Geneva, Brussels, and the European Union. We have held dozens of meetings in the American Congress, in the Department of State, in the American Senate. Today I can say that the international community is aware and understands this matter” he said.
“I have no doubt that today we are waiting for the results of the elections in Poland. This is obvious. We are also receiving such signals that if these elections result is in favour of the current ruling party, I have no doubt that the issue of reparations will be settled in the next term of office of the Sejm. Germany’s position is untenable. Germany has no arguments not to sit down with Poland for dialogue and to resolve this matter. These elections will also concern Poland’s dignity, whether it respects its sovereignty and whether it is treated subjectively in bilateral relations. Polish-German, but also in multilateral relations” – he noted.
“Also, the activities that we are taking on the national arena, aimed at drawing the attention of the Polish community and local governments to this unregulated problem” – he added emphasizing that the problem is universal. “This is an issue between nations that requires solutions” – he pointed out.
“I want to assure you that our actions will be carried out until Germany starts a dialogue with Poland on this matter, an honest dialogue, and war reparations are paid, restitution for the Polish state and Polish citizens” – Mularczyk declared.
“I am absolutely convinced that there will be no lasting peace between the nations of Europe if the former aggressors remain unpunished” – he added. He considered Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as an example. “Russia was never punished for starting World War II together with Germany. Russia should also pay compensation and war reparations to Poland in the future for the aggression on September 17, for murders and destruction. And also in this respect, we have started working on a report on war losses caused by Soviet Russia in the Republic of Poland” – he said.
He pointed out that only a real explanation and settlement of the past can lead to real Polish-German reconciliation.
Anna Wiejak