The Secret State Series #6
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Albright, a biographical essay by Yale historian Timothy Snyder, an afterword by Zbigniew Brzezinski, previously unpublished photos, notes, further reading, and a glossary—is an apt legacy for this hero of conscience during the most fraught and fragile moment in modern history.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 #6:
The Secret State #6 “Hunted”
From Polish Officer to German Slave: 1944
by Jan Karski: Highlights and excerpts by PL Sturgis:
From Polish Officer to German Slave: 1944
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 #6:
From Polish Officer to German Slave: 1944
“Hunted”
Bites #6-10,Meeting the New Me:
#7) Out of my Shell:
#8) Trading the old Coat for the New:
#9) At Home on the Farm:
#10) Getting Acquainted:
by Jan Karski :
#6) Meeting the New Me:
The Old farmer had been watching my meeting with the girl as if it had been staged for his benefit. He shook his head in wonderment and bellowed his farewell. “My name is Danuta” she said. “I am here to welcome you to our home. We live nearby and we hope your stay will be pleasant.” ---- “That is very kind of you,” I said. “My name is Witold.” I kept my face unsmiling and somewhat grim. “Oh! How thin you are!” She smiled and added ...”Like a scarecrow!” --- “The Germans don’t leave us with much food but we shall have to stuff you with our strawberries, plums and pears.” Then a look of annoyance came over her face. “Oh! How foolish of me!” she added. “I forgot to give you your legend.” A legend is the collection of data which composes an underground member’s identity. It is furnished to all new members and to all those who find it necessary to change their identity. It consists of a fictional biography and a number of equally fictional dates and places necessary to constitute a new personality. It must be carefully memorized until it becomes a part of one’s normal consciousness. “You are--” she informed me “--to be my newly arrived cousin from Cracow. Since you are a rather useless and lazy person you couldn’t hold on to a job. To add to your trouble you became ill and the doctor ordered you to a long rest in the country. You are a gardener by profession. You will aid the workers in my garden. I have taken the liberty to register you in the Arbeitsamt.” (a German Agency with which every Polish worker must register. ) A Polish citizen may be called upon at any time to verify his information and employment. I became worried.
#7) Out of my Shell:
I know nothing about gardening. Yet here I am, a gardener. It was all I could do to distinguish a bush from a tree. “How shall I ever be able to fool anyone” I asked the girl who was creating the new me. She looked at me in amazement. “How can anyone be so insensitive to nature? I suppose you city people are all alike! You needn’t fret. We have made preparations for your ignorance. Don’t forget you will be an impossible lazy bones. You will spend your time lolling about the house, moaning about your aches and pains, except when you pretend to run after pretty girls.” I protested! “I am a very serious young man. I shall find it difficult to act so flippantly.” she interrupted me.... “When you arrive you will make a tour of our estate. Be sure to let everybody see you; peasants, workers, villagers---in fact everybody of importance or significance.” she added slowly. “Do you understand?” She asked this question as though she were coaching a young and backward student. “I believe if I tax my mind sufficiently I shall be able to understand your instructions! But if someone asks me questions about gardening I shall be in a terrible fix.” ----- “I will be your teacher.’ she answered. “Everyday before the tour I will coach you. In case of difficulty you will frown and turn to me in annoyance. Assume at all times an air of boredom and indifference.” .... “I am your devoted student!” I told her. I was enjoying the playfulness between us. It had been a long time since I enjoyed humor of any sort. I believe she recognized this need.
#8) Trading the old Coat for the New:
The girl ran to the carriage and came staggering back with a big overcoat. It looked enormous flocked over her shoulder. “This coat is for you. Will you put it on?” she asked. I stared at her in surprise. “Why do you want me to wear that thing? It is so warm.” --- “How silly you are” she retorted. “Surely you can’t believe anybody will be fooled into thinking you are a grand gentleman in the outfit you are wearing!” I gazed at my over sized trousers and skimpy jacket and soiled bandages. I shrugged, put on a martyred look and slipped into the overcoat she held out to me. We entered the carriage. As soon as I sat down on the soft velvet seat a surge of weariness and faintness overcame me. It became difficult for me to pay attention to the girl’s remarks. My dear hostess Danuta, had been listening to my efforts to say something witty. Now she was smiling and interrupting me with a mixture of amusement and concern. “You don’t need to bother about being brilliant. Just relax and try to get some rest. Tomorrow you will have plenty of time to shine.” She folded her hands on her lap and rested her head on the cushion. The road we were traveling went through a dense forest. My work in the underground had completely my mental outlook. Formally, I may have only remarked on the beauty of the scenery. Now I observed that the forest afforded superb concealment for underground meetings. I reflected that the Gestapo would have its hands full with any group that was well organized with proper leadership. These cold professional calculations kept me preoccupied till we reached the estate.
#9) Home on the farm:
Our arrival was greeted with a noisy medley of sounds and bustling activity. No sooner were we out of the carriage than we were in the midst of a group of peasants who stared openly at me, whispering comments to each other that I was unable to hear. Danuta, in the meantime, was surrounded by a group of peasants’ children, each trying to outshout the other, with their confusing and rambling tales. They all tried to kiss her hand and I marveled that her arm was not torn from its sockets; so violent was the competition of each child to be the first to reach the hand of the beloved mistress. In addition to the noisy babble of voices was the squawking of chickens, the exciting barking of dogs, and from a distance, the intermittent moos of cows. By great effort I managed to push my way through the children to Danuta’s side. Her hair was disheveled, her face flushed, and her clothes rumpled by the children who constantly pressed against her. She was obviously pleased by the enthusiastic reception. Now I was enabled to draw my breath and survey my new surroundings. Before me was a well kept lawn which bloomed in the center a bed of pink and white peonies. A short distance from the house were a group of out buildings, stables; cow sheds; and the smith shop. The Manor House itself was white and glistening in the sunlight. It was bordered on three sides by a dense grove of shade trees. Lulled by this tranquil rural scene I closed my eyes and listened to the pleasant hum of the country side. Warsaw, the Underground, and even the gestapo, seemed remote and unreal. (to be continued) Getting Acquainted:
#10) Getting Acquainted:
Inside the house, on the high gleaning white walls, hung a miscellaneous selections of photographs and portraits. Small old fashion pictures of family groups in the dark tone of an earlier period were interspersed among still older portraits of bearded dignitaries and formidable matrons. There were also modern photographs and more recent members of the family, among which I recognized, with some amusement, a gawky freckled faced Danuta, posed with dignity for her graduating photograph. I stood there gazing, intrigued by all the photographs. Danuta was not slow to call attention to my lack of courtesy. “You see, Mother? (nudging me to notice that her mother was present) “How badly has my cousin been brought up in the city. He doesn’t even take the trouble to say good day?” I was embarrassed at my failure to notice my “aunt’s” entrance. She was a stout woman about the age of sixty. She stood there adding her smile to Danuta’s giggle. All I could do was stammer. “The cat must have his tongue!” she mocked. “Oh stop teasing the poor boy!” My “aunt” reproved her daughter and came forward. “I want you to feel as free as if you were in your own home. Danuta has informed me that you have become her cousin.” ---- “You are very kind” I said. Then she remarked how pale and thin I was and promised to correct that matter. “After your meal you can tell us all about the news from Cracow.” I gave her a grateful glance and then a shadow crossed over her face. “Things are not too well here.” She said the Nazis were not angels and her dear son-----.” she drifted off. “SShhh, Mother.” Danuta said caringly.
(to be continued) ....
(To be continued )
Daily Bites of The Secret State Series #6
“Hunted:”
From Polish Officer to German Slave: 1944
#12) My Role as a Gardener:
#13) Midnight Undrground Guest:
#14) A Familiar Voice:
#15) Returning to Underground Work:
#13) Midnight Undrground Guest:
#14) A Familiar Voice:
#15) Returning to Underground Work:
by Jan Karski 1944 :
“From The Secret State”
#1) Hiding Out:
#2) Three Days of Confinement:
#3) Breach of Discipline:
#4) A Touch of Underground Measles:
#5) The Farmer’s Daughter:
#6) Meeting the New Me:
#7) Out of my Shell:
#8) Trading the old Coat for the New:
#9) At Home on the Farm:
#10) Getting Acquainted:
#11) The First Three Weeks:
#12) My Role as a Gardener:
#13) Midnight Underground Guest:
#14) A Familiar Voice:
#15) Returning to Underground Work:
#16) Back in the Saddle:
#17) My Letter to the Polish Citizens:
#18) Creating a Masterpiece:
#19) Denationalizing Poland:
#20) Suspecting a Traitor:
#21) The Fraudulent Letter:
#22) The Underground Stranger:
#23) A Secret Task:
#24) A Favor Based on Trust:
#25) Mysterious Rescue:
#26) A Bloody Fight:
#27) Emotions of Guilt:
#28) Committing a Crime or Saving a Life?
#29) Destroying documents:
#30) Leaving for Cracow:
LibertygroupFreedom
https://redd.it/6y400k
“Hunted”
From Polish Officer to German Slave: 1944
From Polish Officer to German Slave: 1944
"FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY"
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NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICES
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