The Secret State Series #4
Story of a Secret State stands as one of the most poignant and inspiring memoirs of World War II and the Holocaust. With elements of a spy thriller, documenting his experiences in the Polish Underground, and as one of the first accounts of the systematic slaughter of the Jews by the German Nazis, this volume is a remarkable testimony of one man's courage and a nation's struggle for resistance against overwhelming oppression.
Karski was a brilliant young diplomat when war broke out in 1939 with Hitler's invasion of Poland. Taken prisoner by the Soviet Red Army, which had simultaneously invaded from the East, Karski narrowly escaped the subsequent Katyn Forest Massacre. He became a member of the Polish Underground, the most significant resistance movement in occupied Europe, acting as a liaison and courier between the Underground and the Polish government-in-exile. He was twice smuggled into the Warsaw Ghetto, and entered the Nazi's Izbica transit camp disguised as a guard, witnessing first-hand the horrors of the Holocaust.
Karski's courage and testimony, conveyed in a breathtaking manner in Story of a Secret State, offer the narrative of one of the world's greatest eyewitnesses and an inspiration for all of humanity, emboldening each of us to rise to the challenge of standing up against evil and for human rights. This definitive edition—which includes a foreword by Madeleine Albright, a biographical essay by Yale historian Timothy Snyder, an afterword by Zbigniew Brzezinski, previously unpublished photos, notes, further reading, and a glossary—is an apt legacy for this hero of conscience during the most fraught and fragile moment in modern history.
Karski was a brilliant young diplomat when war broke out in 1939 with Hitler's invasion of Poland. Taken prisoner by the Soviet Red Army, which had simultaneously invaded from the East, Karski narrowly escaped the subsequent Katyn Forest Massacre. He became a member of the Polish Underground, the most significant resistance movement in occupied Europe, acting as a liaison and courier between the Underground and the Polish government-in-exile. He was twice smuggled into the Warsaw Ghetto, and entered the Nazi's Izbica transit camp disguised as a guard, witnessing first-hand the horrors of the Holocaust.
Karski's courage and testimony, conveyed in a breathtaking manner in Story of a Secret State, offer the narrative of one of the world's greatest eyewitnesses and an inspiration for all of humanity, emboldening each of us to rise to the challenge of standing up against evil and for human rights. This definitive edition—which includes a foreword by Madeleine Albright, a biographical essay by Yale historian Timothy Snyder, an afterword by Zbigniew Brzezinski, previously unpublished photos, notes, further reading, and a glossary—is an apt legacy for this hero of conscience during the most fraught and fragile moment in modern history.
Jan Karski was born in ód , Poland, in 1914.
He received a degree in Law and Diplomatic Science in 1935 and served as a liaison officer of the Polish Underground during World War II. He carried the first eyewitness report of the Holocaust to a mostly unbelieving West, meeting with President Roosevelt in 1943 to plead for Allied intervention. Story of a Secret State was originally published in 1944, becoming a bestseller and Book of the Month Club selection. After the war, Karski earned his PhD at Georgetown University, where he served as a distinguished professor in the School of Foreign Service for forty years. He died in Washington, DC, in 2000. Karski has been recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. In 2012, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by our President.
"His wartime saga as officer, as Soviet prisoner, as escapee, in the hands of the Gestapo, and as a Polish Underground activist and courier, is beyond remarkable. In a world today where words such as 'courage' and 'heroism' have been so overused—applied freely from sports to entertainment to politics as to be rendered practically meaningless—Jan Karski was the rare human being who embodied both."
He received a degree in Law and Diplomatic Science in 1935 and served as a liaison officer of the Polish Underground during World War II. He carried the first eyewitness report of the Holocaust to a mostly unbelieving West, meeting with President Roosevelt in 1943 to plead for Allied intervention. Story of a Secret State was originally published in 1944, becoming a bestseller and Book of the Month Club selection. After the war, Karski earned his PhD at Georgetown University, where he served as a distinguished professor in the School of Foreign Service for forty years. He died in Washington, DC, in 2000. Karski has been recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. In 2012, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by our President.
"His wartime saga as officer, as Soviet prisoner, as escapee, in the hands of the Gestapo, and as a Polish Underground activist and courier, is beyond remarkable. In a world today where words such as 'courage' and 'heroism' have been so overused—applied freely from sports to entertainment to politics as to be rendered practically meaningless—Jan Karski was the rare human being who embodied both."
"In the words of James Russell Lowell's rousing hymn:
'Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide, in the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side.' Perhaps more than most of us, Jan Karski faced such a choice in the starkest of possible terms, and made his decision as courageously as one could. . . . Jan Karski was a patriot and a truth teller; may his words always be read and his legacy never forgotten.
"Secret State is an indispensable and compelling historical document of World War II and the Holocaust, written by a supremely courageous humanitarian."
"Secret State is an indispensable and compelling historical document of World War II and the Holocaust, written by a supremely courageous humanitarian."
The Secret State Series #4:
The Secret State #4 “A New Regime”
by Jan Karski: Highlights and excerpts by PL Sturgis:
by Jan Karski: Highlights and excerpts by PL Sturgis:
The Secret state Series 1: “The Underground” by Jan Karski:
Introduction: During my four and a half months absence while captured by the Russians and the the Germans, Conditions in Poland had changed considerably. The first few conversations made me conscious of the fact that the consolidation of the underground had practically been achieved. The movement had crystallized into the major organization: The coalition of the four largest political parties;
1) The Peasants
2) The Socialist
3) The Christian Labor
4) The Nationalist.
This was the official military organization which had been recognized by the government as a military unit enjoying equal rights with the Polish Army in France. The most important need for that third party was to unite and agree on a chief delegate. The government was not interested in the personality of the candidate, nor his political affiliation, nor was he to become involved in party representation. The government would confirm the appointment of any individual who possessed authority and had the confidence of the population.
(hmmmm? 1940 sounds familiar in 2017)
The Polish underground State to which Karski belonged was under the authority of the Polish government in London. He admitted that besides this organization there were other organizations carrying on their activities under the direct influence of Moscow. Being the first active member of the Polish Underground and in the fortunate position to publish some aspect of its story, he hoped that it would encourage others to relate their experiences and that out of such narratives the free people all over the world would be able to form an objective opinion as to how the Polish people reacted during the years of German conquest.
Daily Bites of The Secret State Series #4:
“A New Regime”
Bites #16-20,Do or Die:
#17) Underground: Under Fire:
#18) Faithful in the spotlight:
#19) My Second Interrogation:
#20) Inspector Pick:
by Jan Karski :
#16) Do or Die:
I sat on the table across from the man whose pale blue eyes glittered dangerously. His thin lips twisted into a humorless smile. “You don’t like talking to us?” he sneered. “We aren’t good enough for you?” The guard behind me leaped on me and squeezed my neck in his grip. “Answer the Inspector, you swine!” he roared. His fingers dug into my neck like claws. “Yes! They are my papers” I said. My voice seemed disassociated from my will, as if someone else was speaking through my vocal chords. “Tell me the entire truth about your connection with the underground organization!” he demanded. I answered promptly. “I have no connection with the underground. I am the son of a Lwow teacher.” My papers were arranged in such a way that I was supposed to be the son of a teacher in Lwow, which was, at this time, under Russian occupation. The name was true as were all details in the doctrine of the teacher’s son, who had previously escaped and was now abroad. So even if the Gestapo should try to establish my identity, they could not find out that I was not really the son. The inspector leered at me sourly. “How long have you been the son of a Lwow teacher? Two months? Three months?” I knew I was poor at a rapid cross-fire examination. I dreaded those moments when I had to improvise quickly. The Inspector curved his lips, obviously in contempt. “So being the son of a teacher you are obviously an intelligent man?” His eyes lurked around the room and like trained dogs, his guards smirked and nodded. He acknowledged their applause like a trained actor.
#17) Underground: Under Fire:
While I sat at the table being interrogated and intimidated the mocking questions continued from the German Inspector. “Tell me, teacher’s son: Would you like to return to the beautiful city of Lwow someday?” I remained silent knowing that any answer would simply make me appear ridiculous. the last question was added with exaggerated gentleness. “Why did you leave Lwow?” ----- I had been coached in my identity thoroughly and I answered mechanically. “Because of the Soviets. My father did not want me to stay in Lwow while it was occupied by the “Russians.” ----- “What/ Your father does not like the Russians but you do?”------ “No! I did not say that!” ----- He mocked on...”So you like us better?” His tone was quizzical and sarcastic. I tried to appear puzzled. “We trusted you more. It’s not that I don’t trust the German people. It’s just that I do not understand why I am not believed?” I said this while trying to act confused. “I wanted to get to Switzerland to my friend in Geneva.” ---- “What?” he mocked. “You like and trust us but you want to escape us?” This man was a bafoon with a certain cleverness that could twist my every remark. I made an effort to maintain a completely grave expression. “I am a student! This war has interrupted my studies! I have had enough of this war! I want to go to Switzerland to finish my studies!” --- “NO! You want to go to France and join the Polish Army!” he shouted. “No!” I said. “I want to go to Switzerland to live in peace. I do not want to fight anyone! I want to study!” I continued the tale without much heart. Suddenly the German Instructor turned with a surprising change and said to the brute behind me: “Get this lying bastard back to his cell!”
#18) Faithful in the Spotlight:
When the German inspector ordered the guards to take my back to my cell the guard behind me dug his fingers into my neck and yanked me up. Then he pushed me violently. As I stumbled forward another guard pushed me ahead. Each guard added his contribution toward keeping me in motion, as if I were a ball with which they were playing. As I reached the door the guard encircled my neck in his heavy hand and flung me out of the door. This nearly broke my neck. Tears of rage and humiliation made my eyes smart but I managed to look at him impassively. As I flung myself on my straw pallet in my cell the rigid control I had exercised in their office deserted me. My legs were weak and hollow. My muscles trembled with the reactions I had suppressed. I tossed about trying to shield my eyes from the blinding light coming from the reflector. It was impossible to put my chaotic thoughts in order or devise a plan. I had no illusion that my story had been found credible or that the mildness of my first examination would continue for long. My story had been too pat, too glib, and too feeble to warrant their belief. At the same time, I knew I would have to stick to it, if only to regard against the danger of revealing any important information. I had to insist upon my story as if it were a magical incantation which would prevent me from blurting out the damaging truth. Also, it gave me relief to know I would not have to force my brains to invent anything new. All night long the phrases of my story ran through my head in a monotonous rhythmic chant.
#19) My Second Interrogation:
The guard who escorted me the previous day appeared in my cell at dawn. He was unshaven, his uniform unbuttoned and disheveled. He scowled fiercely at me to indicate that I alone was responsible for getting him up so early. He jerked his thumb in the direction in which he wished me to take. I was blue with cold and sleeplessness. My teeth chattered and my knees nearly buckled under me as I walked. We went into the room where the preliminary examination had taken place. Some alterations had been made in the furnishings. A small table set next to the large one. A new typewriter and some pads and pencils had been placed on it. The chairs that lined the wall in the office had been removed. There were only four men in the room besides myself. Behind the larger table a padded swivel chair in shiny leather was occupied by a new official. He was the type that was not seen frequently in Germany and scarce in the Polish division of the Gestapo. He was an extraordinary fat man. His cruel lips made an impression of gross power mingling with feminine delicacy and cruelty. He kept drumming on the table impatiently as he glanced around the room, his small eyes darting to and fro. The other three were the usual Gestapo guards, neatly uniformed and well muscled. My blood ran cold when I saw the guards holding the “truncheons” (police bats) “Sit down at the table. We are not going to harm you unless we are forced to do so.” the official officer said. “All the time. you must look directly into my eyes. You will not be allowed to turn your head or look away. You must answer all my questions at once. It will be bad for you to hesitate!” these were spoken mechanically, as though he had spoken them numeral times before.
The guard who escorted me the previous day appeared in my cell at dawn. He was unshaven, his uniform unbuttoned and disheveled. He scowled fiercely at me to indicate that I alone was responsible for getting him up so early. He jerked his thumb in the direction in which he wished me to take. I was blue with cold and sleeplessness. My teeth chattered and my knees nearly buckled under me as I walked. We went into the room where the preliminary examination had taken place. Some alterations had been made in the furnishings. A small table set next to the large one. A new typewriter and some pads and pencils had been placed on it. The chairs that lined the wall in the office had been removed. There were only four men in the room besides myself. Behind the larger table a padded swivel chair in shiny leather was occupied by a new official. He was the type that was not seen frequently in Germany and scarce in the Polish division of the Gestapo. He was an extraordinary fat man. His cruel lips made an impression of gross power mingling with feminine delicacy and cruelty. He kept drumming on the table impatiently as he glanced around the room, his small eyes darting to and fro. The other three were the usual Gestapo guards, neatly uniformed and well muscled. My blood ran cold when I saw the guards holding the “truncheons” (police bats) “Sit down at the table. We are not going to harm you unless we are forced to do so.” the official officer said. “All the time. you must look directly into my eyes. You will not be allowed to turn your head or look away. You must answer all my questions at once. It will be bad for you to hesitate!” these were spoken mechanically, as though he had spoken them numeral times before.
As I sat down in the German Inspector’s office I tried to repress any signs of fear. “I am Inspector Pick.” he said. I could feel a muscle in my cheek twisting uncontrollably. I kept licking my lips as he continued. “If you haven’t heard of me you can draw some comfort for a short while. I never allow a man to walk or crawl out of here without getting the truth out of him. If I fail there is not enough left of a prisoner to be recognized as a man. I assure you, after a few of our carresses, you will regard death as a luxury. I don’t beg you to confess. If you tell the truth you will be spared. If you don’t you will be beaten within an inch of your life. I don’t respect heroism. With any hesitation you will receive a painful reminder from the guards.” The lengthy preamble seemed to exhaust him like a deflated balloon. He collapsed back into his leather chair and rocked lightly back and forth. “I will now begin the questions: “Do you know a man named Frank?” “No, I don’t think so.” my voice was evasive and shaky. “It is useless to lie!” he shouted! “We know everything! Frank was a guide for the underground. We caught him and he told us everything. All the stopping points!” I licked my lips again. My throat still parched and dry. I stared stupidly and in a hollow voice I protested weakly==== “I Just don’t understand?”
(to be continued) ....
(To be continued )
Daily Bites of The Secret State Series #4
“A New Regime”
#22) Sticking to my Story:
#23) Beaten to unconsciousness:
#24) Their Psychological Approach:
#25) Skillful Deception:
by Jan Karski 1944 :
“From The Secret State”
#1) The Hour of Decision:
#2) The Socialists and Nationalists:
#3) The Polish Peasant Party:
#4) The Christian Labor Party:
#5) Creating a Special Underground Center:
#6) The Greatest Difficulty:
#7) My Most Honorable Appointment:
#8) Returning to France:
#9) An Uneasy Feeling:
#10) Debating the Cause:
#11) Through the woods, the Rain, and the Mud:
#12) Risking our Lives for One Night’s Rest:
#13) Caught by the Gestapo:
#14) Cast into a Dingy Cell:
#15) Tortured and Interrogated:
#16) Do or Die:
#17) Underground: Under Fire:
#18) Faithful in the spotlight:
#19) My Second Interrogation:
#20) Inspector Pick:
#21) Severe Brutality:
#22) Sticking to my Story:
#23) Beaten to unconsciousness:
#24) Their Psychological Approach:
#25) Skillful Deception:
#26) In the Office of the Nazi Leader:
#27) The New Order:
#28) The clear Purpose of my interview.
#29) Getting Down to Business:
#30) Two Reasons I could not Accept:.
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