Wstrzymanie ruchu bezwizowego pomiędzy Polską a NRD w 1980 r. i jego konsekwencje w świetle materiałów Ministerstwa Spraw Zagranicznych
Suspension of visa-free travel between Poland and the GDR in 1980 and its cosequences

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the study is to show on specific examples the evolution of mutual relations between Poland and the Democratic German Republic in a period of deepening economic crisis in Poland followed by an explosion of freedom connected with the strikes in August 1980 and the rise of a trade union movement independent of the United Polish Workers’ Party. According to the official propaganda, the correct relations between Poland and the GDR in the 1970s, deteriorated significantly with the growing economic crisis and the upsurge of independent initiatives in Polish society. The mistreatment of Poles by the GDR authorities took place even before the strikes of August 1980 and the birth of Solidarity. The emergence of the independent trade union movement in Poland caused the GDR authorities to close the border, preventing the transfer of these trends to their own territory. Not only were Poles denied entry to the GDR, but measures were also taken to dismiss Polish workers from German factories. The GDR authorities also pressured Warsaw to clean up and crack down on counterrevolution. Deterioration in relations between Poland and the GDR became apparent for citizens wishing to travel through German territory. Tourists from Poland were subjected to various forms of harassment aimed at effectively discouraging them from making such trips. Interestingly, Warsaw was surprised by the new policy of the GDR authorities and presented a different view of the situation than the German state. Attempts to force the change did not, however, bring positive results. The problem of border traffic disappeared after the introduction of martial law in Poland. The study mostly uses the historical method, but the inductive method was also employed. The problematic of the relations between Poland and the GDR is not very rich and the crucial processes have already been described. That is why the present paper does not repeat previous opinions, focusing on the identification and description of specific cases.

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