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Albright, a biographical essay by Yale historian Timothy Snyder, an afterword by Zbigniew Brzezinski, previously unpublished photos, notes, further reading, and a glossary—is an apt legacy for this hero of conscience during the most fraught and fragile moment in modern history.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 #26-30,A Bloody Fight:
#27) Emotions of Guilt:
#28) Committing a Crime or Saving a Life?
#29) Destroying documents:
#30) Leaving for Cracow:
by Jan Karski :
#26) The Bloody Fight:
Lucien ran down the road out of my sight. I felt an odd impulse to dash after him although he demanded me to stay put. I was disgusted at the role I was playing. A bloody fight was going on and I was assigned the role of a look out without even the knowledge of what they were doing! About fifteen minutes passed while I crouched at the side of the road worrying about what was happening up the road. When Lucien came back I noticed his brow was wet with perspiration. His appearance worried me and I asked him to spend the night at the manor. “I’m not that stupid!” he snapped. Then he apologized for speaking so harshly and promised he would explain everything in a day or two. We separated with Lucien trudging wearily through the field while I took the path home. I was in low spirits, fatigued, depressed, and eager for bed. When I entered my room the light suddenly snapped on. I felt a stab of fear and whirled around and saw Danuta. She had been waiting in the dark. She questioned me about what happened. “Was something suppose to happen? You probably know more about it than I do! I believe you could tell me!” I said sarcastically. She snapped back: “I wouldn’t ask if I knew!” -- “I am too tired to solve your riddles!” I said cruelly. “I would like to go to bed!” She walked out of the room. I felt a pang of regret and guilt but dropped wearily on the bed without getting undressed and fell instantly to sleep.
#27) Emotions of Guilt:
I woke up late the next morning after the horrible events of the night before. I had no desire to see anybody. All the feelings of last night combined into a single ugly emotion of mixed guilt,fear, rage, and humiliation. I had a horse saddled for me and rode around until it was time for lunch. Lunch was an oppressive affair. Danuta and I avoided each other’s gaze. I ate little and was anxious to finish and leave. In the middle of the meal one of the kitchen maids burst into the room. “Do you know?...Do you know?...she stuttered...That miserable spy Bulle committed suicide last night?” I walked over and put my hands on her shoulders. “Calm yourself” I told her. “Sit down and speak slowly and tell us what happened.” She began to recite like an embarrassed school girl, slowly and brokenly. “He hung himself on a tree. A woodsman chopping trees found him. He left a note---wrote that he had enough of being a rotten Nazi spy. He repented of all his crimes and asked the villagers to forgive him. I listened thunderstruck. I knew instantly that this was connected to my adventure last night. I looked to Danuta for a hint of a clue. If she knew anything she was carrying it off well. She commented coolly with no passion. “I’m glad he repented. It will be a good lesson for the other Volkdeutsche.” Needless to say, the entire village buzzed with the news. The German police were visibly embarrassed. They announced they were ready to have him committed for insanity.
#28) Committing a Crime or Saving a Life?
A few days passed and I was still no closer to the truth. Danuta and I were both restrained and uncomfortable with each other. I could not judge the extent of which she was informed about her brother’s activities. the thought that she too might know more than I, was the final touch of humiliation. I kept hoping she would tell me what she knew, or at least would tell me she had no knowledge, but she remained irritatingly closed mouthed. Finally Lucien made his appearance. He questioned about the crops and made remarks about the village excitement. I waited till Danuta left the room and then asked him point blank! “What is the meaning of this? Why was Bulle killed? Why was I left in the dark?” Lucien prepared himself to be suave and ironic. “Killed? I thought he committed suicide!” I spoke roughly! I had taken a little too much! “Stop your stupid clowning! I want to know the truth!” “Danuta will tell you,” he said. “She planned it all!” I just could not conceive Danuta being involved in such a bloody affair. “I don’t believe it!” I shouted angrily, “Danuta, come here at once!” She entered the room looking so small and gentle that I was touched. “Yes, it is true,” she said. she had first come to the decision the night we talked about the role of the Volksdeutsche. Bulle had confided to the maids that he was on the trail of Kostrzewa. He told them he will soon catch him. Danuta forged the suicide note and Lucien agreed to the plan to save Kostrzewa from Bulle’s criminal act. Her lips quivered, her eyes became moist and her face was very sad. Lucien turned to me with disgust. “You know women like I know Chinese!” he scolded.
#29) Destroying the Documents:
The aftermath of the Bulle affair was tragic. Lucien had one shortcoming which was as charming as it was unfortunate. He was extra fond of women. Very often he would meet his girlfriends and walk with them in the evenings. We expressed our concern but he protested innocently. One day when he was walking a girl home from a neighboring town he was hailed by a Gestapo officer in an automobile. He was relieved when the officer asked him to help change a flat tire. He complied and when finished he was mopping his brow when the officer ordered him in to his automobile. Lucien refused to risk being taken to the Gestapo Headquarters. He pretended to enter the car but twisted away and ran behind a clump of bushes and disappeared. We were told of the event by the girl he had been escorting. When Danuta heard the bad news she sat rigidly, biting her lip to help maintain her self control. I suggested we go over the house thoroughly and destroy every incriminating document and then pack up and head for Cracow. I insisted on leaving immediately. “We shall not accomplish anything by staying here. We will only make things worse. If Lucien succeeds in escaping he can join us in Cracow. I do not believe the gestapo will harm your mother. They will most likely believe she is innocent of any complicity.”
#30) Leaving for Cracow:
Danuta began to weep softly and nodded in agreement that we must destroy all documents and leave immediately for Cracow. We made a rapid investigation of the premises for any incriminating documents, then packed hurriedly. As the entire household staff stood on the veranda unashamedly weeping, and waving God speed to us we entered the same carriage in which I had first arrived to the lovely estate. The ancient driver, who was more critical of me than ever before, was about to grab the reins and begin our journey when the last bit of horrible news was brought to us. A young villager sped upon a bicycle to tell us that Lucien had been captured while hiding in the woods. I put my arm consolingly around Danuta. She trembled and sobbed wildly. I shouted to the driver to get started. Danuta wrenched herself away from me. She had regained control and spoke quietly. “Please wait a moment, Witold? The news of Lucien’s capture changes everything. I must stay on and face whatever is to come. Someone must take care of the house.” I began to protest but she put her hand gently on my arm. “Please don’t make it any harder for me. You must leave. There is work that you can do anywhere. I would be useless away from this small village. Please go quickly. Good bye and remember us.” I tore myself away. I never heard from any of them again. Months later in Cracow I heard of their fate. My informants disclosed to me that the entire family had been arrested by the Nazis, tortured and executed. End of series 6
(to be continued) ....
(To be continued )
Daily Bites of The Secret State Series #7
“Retribution”
Top Officer in WW2 to German Slave
#2) Never Forgotten: Never Forgiven:
#3) Confiscating Children:
#4) Ten Commandments of Resistance:
#5) Ferocious Retaliation:
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
“Retribution”
Top Officer in WW2 to German Slave
Top Officer in WW2 to German Slave
"FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY"
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NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICES
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