"The Truth About Poland" – Exposing the Nazi Plot to Annihilate the Polish People's Heritage. USA, [1943] – First ...

"The Truth About Poland" – Exposing the Nazi Plot to Annihilate the Polish People's Heritage. USA, [1943] – First Edition

A rare booklet published in New York by the Polish Information Center in 1943, aimed at exposing the Nazi plan to completely annihilate Poland’s heritage and cultural treasures.

The Nazi occupation of Poland was not solely driven by strategic considerations in the war against Russia but also by a determined effort to erase the nation’s historical legacy. Upon their arrival, the Nazis immediately set out to destroy Polish culture: they shut down public libraries, obliterated archives and historical buildings, persecuted the Polish clergy and intellectual elite, and more. 

This booklet was published while Poland was still under Nazi rule, with the goal of presenting the world with "The Real Poland"—its historical heritage, cultural and social assets, and everything the Nazis sought to destroy. To this end, it provides detailed explanations of Poland’s rich history and culture, its significant landmarks, daily life, population composition, economy, and industry.

After presenting Poland as it was before the occupation, the booklet describes the course of events since the outbreak of the war: Germany’s invasion of Poland, Hitler’s motivations for the attack, Poland’s response, the battles and heavy losses suffered by the Polish army, waves of refugees fleeing the destruction, the devastation of historical sites, and the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

The booklet concludes with a clear statement regarding Poland’s future after Germany’s defeat:

"Poland expects the nations of Central and Eastern Europe to form a strong commonwealth capable of resisting German aggression, which has plagued the region for centuries. This commonwealth will facilitate economic development in Central and Eastern Europe, strengthen trade relations with Russia as a stabilizing force on the continent, and contribute to Russia’s security in the West. The governments of Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Greece have established the Planning Council for Central-Eastern Europe, which will serve as the foundation for cooperation in this direction...".

22 [1] pp. Very good condition.