Madagaskar w polskich koncepcjach i planach kolonialnych
Madagascar in Polish Colonial Ideas and Plans

Summary/Abstract: In the Poland of 1930s, which experienced serious social, economic, political and ethnic problems, one of many ways of solving this situation was overseas immigration. As a result, colonial tendencies and aspirations were enhanced. The colonies could have served to relieve tension in overcrowded villages and to ease the swelling Jewish question. Why Madagascar? The encouragement was initiated by French colonial minister Marcel Moutet who offered such a solution in 1937. This initiative was taken by the Polish government and a special committee under the leadership of Mieczysław Lepecki was sent to the island to inspect it (1937). The outcomes of the committee actions were reflected not only in Poland but also in France, Germany, England, and the U.S. Several publicists acted as colonial experts, e.g. Maria Zakrzewska and Arkady Fiedler. Their concluding comments were less optimistic than those of M. Lepecki. The issue was abandoned when World War II broke out. However, it was still heatedly discussed in the summer of 1939.

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