THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Polish ambassador in London delivers message of hope from British Prime Minister

The News Letter on this day in 1939 reported that the Polish Ambassador in London, Count Raczynski, had spoken to the people of his homeland.

During the address he had read a message from the British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain assuring the Poles of eventual victory.

The Premier’s message read: “I welcome the opportunity of sending through the voice of my friend the Polish Ambassador the greetings of the people of this country, to their allies in Poland. We in Great Britain are watching with profound admiration the heroic struggle of the Polish forces against the enemies invading their land.”

The message continued: “Great Britain and France have entered the war with the determination to aid with all their power the resistance of Poland to aggression. They are strengthened by the knowledge that they are fighting for things that are greater than the interests of any one country – for honour, for justice, and the freedom of the world. Those who have taken up arms in such a cause are assured, whatever sacrifices they may be called upon to make, of victory in the end.

Meanwhile, the Polish ambassador remarked: “Attacked by the enemy, Poland is heroically resisting the arms of the invader, thus evoking the admiration and the most profound feeling of sympathy of the whole world. Such feelings are being expressed not only in words but in deeds.”

Count Raczynski concluded his address to the people of occupied Poland: “The Polish nation will pass a great test which will lead us to victory. We have linked our destiny with the destiny of England and France. We are bound by common ideals which Europe cannot allow to be trampled underfoot.”