760C.61/2291: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Hamilton) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7, 1944—3:25 p.m.]
1594. Moscow papers for May 6 publish the following account of a radio address by Father Orlemanski:
“May 5. The Reverend Stanislaw Orlemanski made the following speech from Moscow to the people of Poland by radio in Polish.
‘Dear Compatriots, I left home on April 17. I travelled across America, then across Canada to Alaska, across all Siberia to Moscow. I travelled in very comfortable conditions. For the first time in my life I flew in an airplane and it was from Chicago to Moscow. I am an American of Polish origin. I am a Roman Catholic priest. More [Page 1408] than that we are four brothers who are priests working on American soil.
As soon as I had learned of the formation of the first Polish division named after Kosciuszko, I immediately organized T. Kosciuszko League in order to render assistance. Thereafter I visited all Polish groups in Canada. I must say that it was a tremendous success. Thousands of Polish Canadians filled the halls. A similar success was obtained in America, especially in Detroit where on November 6, 1943 I organized the Kosciusczko League.
Since my activity had attained such a scale I considered that I ought to be better informed concerning the basic aims of plans of emigrants living on Soviet soil. I requested Secretary of State Hull to issue me a passport for the trip to Moscow. I arrived here without mishap.
First I went to Zagstrsk57 where Polish children are living. At the school I was present at lessons in the Polish language and in Polish history. Permit me as a neutral observer and a practical American to inform you that under present conditions things could not be better than they are. We Poles should be grateful to the Soviet Government for its good attitude and put forth our efforts to maintain this condition. I was also told that such establishments exist throughout Russia.
Then I went on to be with the Polish Army. I felt as if it [I?] were at home. During my stay there about 8,000 new soldiers arrived from Tarnopol and other regions which have already been freed by the Soviet Army. In an address to the soldiers I emphasized that arms in hand are the keys to a free Poland. I had an intimate conversation with Mr. Molotov and Marshal Stalin. The conversation lasted for more than 2 hours. Obviously it is impossible to recount everything that was said. However, I should say that Stalin is a friend of the Poles. He emphasized that Poland can no longer be a corridor across which the enemy can pass in order to destroy Soviet lands. He wished to see a great strong independent and democratic Poland which will know how to defend its borders effectively. Stalin does not intend to interfere in the internal affairs of the Polish state. He wants to see a friendly Poland collaborating harmoniously with the Soviet Republics.
With reference to religion: The religion was in58 and will continue to be the religion of our fathers. The affable reception of a Roman Catholic priest by Marshal Stalin should convince you.59
A few words about my own basic objectives. I have written an article: “The Future of the Polish Worker.” In this article I pointed out the necessity for improving the living conditions of the Polish worker. If throughout the world, the worker is organizing and is improving his lot every day, it is also necessary that the Polish worker keep in step with the times; otherwise need and isolation await him.
[Page 1409]I have written an article “The Polish Clergy”. I pointed out that precisely at this time it should show its maturity in relation to world problems. In this critical moment [the] Polish clergy is even obligated to come to the assistance of the troubled Polish people which is walking in despair. I published a pamphlet “Poland, Russia and Germany” in which I pointed out that any friendship whatever with Germany is excluded. Our closest neighbor is Russia. Let us therefore extend our hand to each other. Let us live in friendship and good will. We are Slavs. Allied Poland and Russia will become a very great force in the east. This alliance will bring great advantage to both Poland and to Russia. We will guarantee ourselves peace for centuries.
Dear Compatriots, the dawn of freedom is at hand. In the near future after difficult days—days of suffering, woe and anguish—the day of joy and freedom is approaching.
Long live the United States of America! Long live the Union of Soviet Republics! Long live a free, strong, independent and democratic Poland.’ ”
- Presumably the city of Zagorsk, northeast of Moscow, is intended.↩
- Some groups are here obviously missing.↩
- On May 5, 1944, Stalin had replied by a letter to some questions by Orlemanski about freedom of conscience in the Soviet Union and on the possibility of cooperation with Pope Pius XII to prevent persecution of the Catholic church; see telegram 1618, May 9, from Moscow, vol. iv , section under Union of Soviet Socialist Republics entitled “Reports on developments of significance …”↩