Środowiska polskiej emigracji politycznej wobec odbudowy Zamku Królewskiego w Warszawie.
Polish emigre circles and the reconstruction of the Royal Castle in Warsaw.

Summary/Abstract: On 20 January 1971, during a meeting with representatives from creative circles, Edward Gierek, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Polish United Workers’ Party, announced the reconstruction of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The decision to rebuild the castle was welcomed enthusiastically, releasing a great wave of generosity among Poles. However, the reconstruction of the castle announced by the new leader of the Communist Party provoked heated discussions and disputes among the Polish diaspora. A considerable number of emigres, especially those who had been part of the political elite—whilst not negating the reason and need to reconstruct the Royal Castle in Warsaw, one of the symbols of an independent Poland—saw in this decision a commercial and opportunistic act by the Polish People’s Republic. In particular, the fundraising planned for the reconstruction of the castle raised opposition. Emigre circles were worried that the Communist authorities could use the funds collected and sent to Poland for purposes other than those for which they were intended. The emigre Press also suggested that the Germans should reconstruct the ruined castle.

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