Documents for the History of Polish-Soviet Relations 1918-1945 Volume III 1932-1939
Part 1 Rapprochement and parting of the ways (July 1932 - May 1935)
Part 2 Between armed peace and the Cold War (May 1935 - August 1939)
"Diplomatic relations between Poland and the Soviet Union from 1932 to 1939 were conducted by relatively small teams. Despite the profound systemic differences between the Second Polish Republic and the Soviet Union, both governments regarded foreign affairs as a matter reserved for the highest state leadership. This approach fostered a preference for cabinet-style diplomacy, with little regard for public opinion or societal sentiment."
— from the introduction by Professor Marek Kornat
Through these "Documents," readers can uncover the full truth about Polish-Soviet relations on the eve of World War II. Edited by Professor Marek Kornat and published by the Mieroszewski Center, this collection covers key events from 1932 to 1939—from the signing of the Non-Aggression Pact on July 25, 1932, to the final day of peace in Europe on August 31, 1939.
This compilation spans four phases of Polish-Soviet diplomacy:
- the normalization of relations,
- a period of worsening relations,
- a distinctive "cold war" phase,
- and the final months of formal coexistence.
The book comprises Polish and Russian archival documents, including political correspondences, instructions, encrypted telegrams, aide-mémoires, diplomatic notes, and semi-private letters. Through these materials, readers gain the opportunity to verify history based on facts, free from myths and distortions.
The following have been published as part of the ‘Documents for the History of Polish-Soviet Relations 1918-1945’ series:
- Volume I 1918-1926, edited by Prof. Mariusz Wołos and Prof. Jan Jacek Bruski;
- Volume II 1926-1932 under the scholarly editorship of Dr. Piotr Głuszkowski;
- Volume III 1932-1939 under the scholarly editorship of Prof. Marek Kornat;
- Volume IV 1939-1945 under the scholarly editorship of Dr. Łukasz Adamski.
The book was prepared as part of the project "Collecting source materials for Polish-Soviet relations" funded under the programme of the Minister of Science and Higher Education called "National Programme for the Development of the Humanities" in the years 2014-2020.
