59. Telegram From the Embassy in Poland to the Department of State0
936. Considered useful to offer and update a few general impressions on Poland in year 1958 thereby replacing need for extensive summary already adequately fulfilled by recent Department studies especially Political Section OIR Report 7877 December l.1
On the record 1956 policies held up fairly well in 1958 in face of frequent alarms and publicized apprehension. True no progress was made toward greater liberalism except possibly in agriculture where farmer still favored. Some stabilization achieved, however, safeguarding throughout 1958 main benefits of Gomulka program which continue to represent deviations from bloc standards important in themselves although less spectacular now because less novel. Freedom from police molestation, freedom of private criticism and academic life were generally maintained in practice despite ominous signs. State church balance survived mid-summer tension and although church had to make concessions on teaching by religious orders and on question of civil marriages and exclusive use of cemeteries (none of which included in 1956 agreement),2 it is immeasurably better off than in other Eastern European countries. Socialization of agriculture remained voluntary, number of collectives staying about same. Private farmer benefited by further reductions compulsory deliveries and higher state prices, while remaining immune from general tax increases.
In what might be called gray area, private enterprise continued to labor under difficulties which seem to vary regionally, being less great in western territories. Role of workers councils reduced for what now recognized as administrative as well as political reasons. Interesting to note no Sejm deputy attacked or voted against new workers self-government law which because of cumbersome structure expected enhance power works managers. Somewhat greater control over worker discipline and placement enforced and while worker denied general wage raises, he proportionately lost less ground than in 1957 by improved price stability and availability of essentials.
In general Polish economy in 1958 marked by partially successful stabilization measures which through better supply and distribution [Page 154] removed serious inflationary threat of previous year. Distorted wage and price structure, underemployment, imbalances in productive capacity, and housing remain grave unsolved problems, while basic contradiction between lack of economic incentives and demands for increased productivity continues. Foreign trade efforts apparently achieved goals and Polish interest in maintenance economic relations with West emphasized.
Among public the most charitable view, held with some admiration for Gomulka’s cynicism and astuteness, is that he had to pay Soviets price of greater outward conformity to defend his handling of purely Polish internal problems. Domestically this led to further tightening of controls over intellectual life. Conscious effort made to reduce but by no means eliminate appearance of Western influence through closer formal Soviet ties. Daily press adopted more pro-Soviet line although not venemously anti-Western except in case of GFR.
Drive supported by party effort propagate new form of “mass socialist culture”. Endeavor produced resistance serious writers culminating in Wroclaw Resolution attacking censorship.3 Airing of controversy in party press nevertheless measure of power of protest with likelihood conflict will continue. Until now high authorities reluctant to crack down too severely at risk antagonizing intellectuals recognized as responsible for October gains and on whom balance still depends to some extent. Complaints of articulate writers group reaching Western press perhaps disguise fact many Polish cultural reviews remain distinguished by breadth of range, spirit of controversy and lively interest in Western culture.
In foreign affairs Poland met the full requirements of outward compliance with Soviet policy. True feelings if not interest of influential regime officials, conveyed either in guarded conversations or nuances in the press, have not however been difficult to ascertain. These encompass ill-concealed disgust for Nagy execution; certain respect for Yugoslavia aside from political disagreement; no endorsement of Chinese Communists internal course despite some show of public cordiality inspired in part by fear; jealousy over political initiative in development of Rapacki Plan; and continued desire for better relations with West. Self-interest seems to have promoted more moderate tone in criticism of US toward end of year.
As to Germany Poland probably remained sincerely attached to Soviet policy because of spectre of West Germany rearmament and Soviet commitments regarding western frontier. Enthusiasm for forcing of [Page 155] Berlin issue or for Soviet initiatives involving possibility of four-power discussion of German reunification is questionable.
Popular attitudes characterized by apathy twinged occasionally by nervousness at display of Soviet strength but composed on the whole of resignation with some satisfaction with slight economic improvements and internal calm. Party made no progress in rapprochement with people but disorganization thought sufficiently overcome to permit Gomulka’s effective control at March Congress. Party domination and Soviet ties still realistically but distastefully accepted as necessary safeguards against Soviet intervention.
Despite encroachments, positive elements 1956 program gained strength by continued usage. Thus record though disappointing not wholly unfavorable but would be risky to project 1958 trends into year overshadowed by Soviet and German uncertainties.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 748.00/1–1559. Confidential. Transmitted in two sections. Repeated to Bonn, Paris, London, Moscow, and Belgrade.↩
- A copy of OIR Report No. 7877, entitled “Recent Developments in Eastern Europe,” is in the National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, OSS–INR Reports.↩
- See footnote 1, Document 49.↩
- Regarding the resolution adopted at a Polish writers’ conference in December 1958, see Part 1, Document 17.↩