Treaties, treaties…
You can say, that from the very regaining independence, Poland was at odds with its neighbors. Both Germany, as well as the Soviet Union, they did not accept earth loss, on which the Polish state was created – country, which are unfortunately located between two powers, It had to keep good relations with them at all costs, By providing international guarantees, with countries such as England or France. However, keeping independence and not falling into submission.
Marshal Piłsudski spoke in this way in this matter, Defining political strategies, what Poland should accept: “Arranging and maintaining in good form relations with neighbors, loyal compliance with the conditions and obligations resulting from the alliances concluded, sticking to your own and defending your own, opposing all the decision made without the participation of Poland in matters celebrating it”.
Establishing relations with the Soviet Union came easily. For the USSR, broken internally and threatened on the part of expansively focused Japan, The normalization of matters with Poland was the most on hand. Thus (seemingly) forgetting about old disagreements and humiliation with 1920 year, Stalin himself proposed to the Polish government to sign a two -year -old non -aggression pact, which was signed in July 1932 year. Thanks to this, Being convinced of the nobility of the Polish government, He could calmly stop afraid of the western neighbor and focus his actions on something else. W 1934 year the pact was extended by another 10 years. It guaranteed (seemingly) room up to a year 1944.
The case with Germany, however, did not look good. Economic blockade applied there against Poland, and the ongoing so -called. “Customs war” caused, that establishing good diplomatic relations with this country was very difficult. However, the attitude of German society and the ideological directions of the local government (which I described in more detail in the chapter 1.2.) they prevented it. Germany has pursued a policy towards Poland definitely striving for its political mastery, On the other hand, Poles wanted to regulate relations at all costs.
When Hitler came to power, started the anti -Polish campaign on a large scale. This was met with a sharp reaction of Piłsudski, which even threatened the war, If this type of activity from Germany does not cease. It is worth noting, that at the turn 1933/34 year, the armed potential of the Third Reich was negligible, and a possible war with Poland could lead to a disaster.
The aforementioned Polish-Soviet arrangement has made a kind of pressure on Germany. Hitler began to fear, that if the threats from the Polish side are met, There will be joint aggression of the Polish Army and the Red Army. He could not allow such an eventuality, So as soon as possible it led to the signing of the Polish-German declaration of not using violence, which has been in force since January 1934 By 10 years.
Worth adding, that the Polish government led the so -called. “balance policy” – He maintained good relations with both the Third Reich, as well as the USSR, without engaging in closer contacts with any of them. This was to prevent conflict, which would result from the competition between these two countries. As a result of this type of external policy on the part of Poland, Third Reich and the USSR, being casual towards her, They soon signed the alliance (chapter 1.5).
As you can see, War on the Arena Germany – Poland – Russia was impossible to avoid. The Polish government could find the only escape in the alliance with England and France (in March 1921 An agreement was also signed with Romania, However, it was not so significant for the further course of events).
Already in February 1921 A pact with France was signed, to which a secret military convention was attached, preaching: “In the event of German aggression against one of the two countries, Both countries are equally obliged to support themselves, according to a joint agreement”. We were also talking about an attack from the USSR: “In case Poland was threatened by the Soviet Republic of War, or in the event of the latter's assault, France undertakes to act both on land, and at sea, To ensure Poland still security from Germany (…) and to provide her with help in defense against the Soviets' army”.
However, England was the problem, which applied the policy of the so -called. appeasementu, that is not (quiet consent) for German plunder. This was caused by faith, that they will end soon. This made it difficult to sign the Polish-British covenant, For it was clear, that it would be about the armed response to Hitler's aggressive actions. Polish politicians watched the growing tension between Poland and the Third Reich. Soon, however (you can say, that at the last minute) We managed to lead to an alliance. The signed document guaranteed “all help and support” In case of aggression “one of the European powers” (The secret attachment specified, that it is about Germany). Signing took place 25 August. Contrary to appearances, It did not stop Hitler from his plunder plans (The date of aggression has only moved Fr. 6 days).
Seemingly, that Poland, Thanks to all these assurances, she could feel safe. The further course of events showed, how much are the words of these countries really worth.