Carrying the Banner of Freedom : Poland's Government-in-Exile, 1939-1991

A fascinating exploration of a little-known subject--the government-in-exile of Poland which existed in London for over 50 years. In the wake of the German and Soviet invasions in September 1939, the Republic of Poland’s government re-established itself abroad, first in France, then in the United Kingdom, where it functioned until the fall of communism in Poland. It never surrendered to the Germans, nor did it accept the communist government imposed by the Soviet Union. Despite diplomatic and financial pressures, the exiles maintained a government consisting of a president, prime minister, council of ministers, national council, judiciary, and treasury, and they regularly conducted elections. Throughout its existence it remained a constant reminder of Poland’s plight during and after the war. This book provides an English language history of Poland’s Government-in-Exile from its creation in 1939 through the dissolution of the last of its bodies in 1991, focusing on its relations with wartime allies, its loss of recognition in 1945, its postwar mission, relevance, and international reach, and its legacy in post-communist Poland. It explores internal conflicts and divisions in the exile community, the Government-in-Exile’s advocacy for Poland throughout the Cold War, and its extensive support for the opposition in Poland.