“Polak w Niemczech” (1925–1972). The press organ of the Union of Poles in Germany

The National Socialist period and the Second World War as a turning point
 

“Clearly, we have to recognise that we are living in a period of enormous challenges and major change. Currently, there are no normal, peaceful years – it is too early still for years that will bring these stormy times to an end. (...) And today, there is a realisation that the world war was not the end, but just the beginning of the storm”.[18]

The first edition of “Polak w Niemczech” to be published in 1939 began with this quote warning of looming disaster. It was not only referring back to the increasingly repressive activities of the National Socialist regime in the cultural, political and economic life of the Polish and other minorities in the German Reich, but also looked ahead to an ominous future. Right until the end, the Union of Poles attempted to continue its cultural and political work representing the interests of Polish nationals who were citizens of Germany and whose native tongue was Polish in the face of the repressive policies of the National Socialist regime and the lack of observance of minority rights.[19] In 1938, for example, the Union of Poles in Germany organised the first congress of Poles, which marked the 15th anniversary of the founding of the organisation, and which was held in Berlin (Fig. 13).[20] The March edition of “Polak w Niemczech” from 1938 contained a heartfelt appeal to attend the congress, which at that time was the first of its kind (Fig. 14–16):

“In the capital of the German state, the representatives of 1.5 million German citizens of Polish nationality will come together. And before the whole world, which is focusing its attention precisely on the Polish people in the German Reich, the message of our congress will be: our citizenship may be German, but our soul is Polish”.[21]

The congress also proclaimed the five “Truths of Poles” as a fundamental “identification element of the Polish minority”[22]. For the Poles living in Germany and for their sense of national awareness, it was as such an identity-forging event that was unique in its own way. 

With the outbreak of the Second World War, the (press) activities of the Union of Poles in Germany came to an end due to the systematic seizure and closure of all Polish organisations and the belongings owned by the Union. Numerous members of the organisation were also rounded up by the National Socialist regime and deported to concentration camps.[23]