Unpublished materials on the aid given to Polish refugees by Rumania in 1939–1941

Abstract

The article presents unpublished archival materials concerning assistance provided by Romania to Polish refugees following the September Campaign of 1939. The aim of the author is to demonstrate the scale of support offered by the Romanian state, its military institutions, and society to Polish citizens between 1939 and 1941. The study employs the historical method based on the analysis of documents preserved in the archives of the Romanian Ministry of the Armed Forces, particularly the records entitled Corespondenţa referitoare la Polonezi. 1939–1940. The research demonstrates that despite pressure from the Third Reich, Romania provided refuge to approximately 100,000 Polish refugees, including around 60,000 soldiers. The highest authorities of the Polish state found shelter on Romanian territory, and a substantial portion of Poland’s gold reserves was secured there. The author emphasises the importance of the actions of the government of Armand Călinescu, which organised humanitarian assistance, facilitated the transit of refugees to Western countries, and ensured conditions consistent with international law. The conclusions indicate that Romania’s attitude constituted an important element of support for the Polish state and Polish society during the first years of the Second World War.