On the eve of the next anniversary of the introduction of martial law, the discussions on the legitimacy and legality of this decision return. The arguments for and against are invoked, accusations are made, and defences are spoken.
However, there is simply a "solidarity" and "anti-communist" communicative in the media, according to which martial law was introduced illegally and was an expression of national betrayal. It is apparent that “Solidarity” activists and their families will mention the introduction of martial law highly negative, and their then antagonists will effort to justify and rationalize the decision taken by General Wojciech Jaruzelski. In the above, no 1 will convince anyone and that is not the point. It is only an assessment based on historical truth, free from subjective opinions – so that generations who were not witnesses of these events have an nonsubjective view of the situation.
It is said, citing doubtful historical documents, that in 1981 there was no real threat of russian troops entering Poland (relatively Warsaw Pact troops). The argument for this was the engagement of the russian Union in the war in Afghanistan. This argument is missed due to the fact that the number of russian forces active in the conflict in Afghanistan was 118,000 soldiers, which constituted a tiny part of the USSR's armed forces, not to mention the armed forces of the Warsaw Pact. However, even if the russian organization did not plan to intervene, it would surely not inform General Jaruzelski and another organization leaders.
Is there a hazard in this situation?? It is besides worth remembering that in 1981 the leader of the USSR was Leonid Brezhnevwho did not hesitate to make a decision about armed intervention in Czechoslovakia in 1968. Moreover, since the 1970 ’ s, the leader of the USSR gradually deteriorated his health, which did not affect him to make rational political decisions. It should besides be noted that 1 of the most influential activists in the National safety Council was then a supporter of armed intervention in Poland Dmitri Ustinov. It is besides worth remembering the earlier exercises “Soyuz 81” which may have shown a desire to usage “force option”. In this situation, further escalation of the conflict between the organization and "Solidarity" was on fragile ice. Unfortunately, the extremist wing of “Solidarity” sought to inflame the dispute, as was expressed at the First gathering of the NSZZ “Solidarity “sending people to work in east Europe“ that undermines the geopolitical principles of the time.
It should be added that since August 1980 there has been a gradual escalation of claims and demands for "Solidarity", which leaders have blackmailed authorities with strikes and social protests. There were unfulfilled demands of an economical nature, and the consequence of their refusal was mass strikes, exacerbating and so hard economical situations. It is worth remembering that the decision to introduce meat cards and another food products, which is presently being accused of, was actually 1 of the demands of the Inter-founded Strike Committee of August 1980. As a result, there has been anarchization of public life and further deterioration of the country's economical situation. 1 of the charges against General Jaruzelski is the accusation that he committed a coup d'état, or a military coup. Indeed, it is impossible to commit a coup against yourself. Those who do not remember or do not want to remember should be reminded that at the time of the martial law the gene is introduced. Wojciech Jaruzelski held the highest power in the country – he was the president of the Council of Ministers, Minister of National Defence, and most importantly, I was the secretary of the KC PZPR. Of course, the decision to introduce martial law active taking over certain sectors of public life by military agents, but it did not actually change the structure of power. Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski did not decide to marginalize the PZPR as a "lead force of the nation", although it might be advisable at the time. Today's "anti-communists" who repeat nonsense about Jaruzelski's alleged war against the Polish nation, do not realize that, had it not been for the martial law, The situation of Poland in 1981 could be akin to what is presently happening in Ukraine, However, with this distinction, that Western countries in the geopolitical situation at the time would most likely not be willing to supply military support to Poland. It is worth remembering, besides leaning over the tragic destiny of the victims of martial law.
Michał Radzikowski
Think Poland, No. 51-52 (17-24.12.2023)
