„Broń dyplomatyczna pierwszej rangi”? Powstanie polsko-francuskiego Banku Śląskiego SA po I wojnie światowej
“Diplomatic weapon of the highest caliber”? Creation of the Polish-French Bank Śląski SA after World War I

Summary/Abstract: The text outlines the process of creation of Bank Śląski SA [Silesian Bank SA] in Katowice after World War I. The core of the article is the analysis of negotiations conducted between Artur Benis, and later Wacław Olszewicz, with French diplomats and bankers in 1920–1922. The author points out that previous interpretations of the talks mischaracter- ized the role of the Poles, who were in fact an important party influenc- ing the direction and outcomes of the negotiations concerning the economic future of Upper Silesia. The failure of the concept of a Polish-French bank in the territory annexed by Poland is explained by the wavering attitude of the French and the changes in economic situation taking place during the period of negotiations.

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