The Secret State Series #9
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Albright, a biographical essay by Yale historian Timothy Snyder, an afterword by Zbigniew Brzezinski, previously unpublished photos, notes, further reading, and a glossary—is an apt legacy for this hero of conscience during the most fraught and fragile moment in modern history.
Jan Karski was born in ód , Poland, in 1914. 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.
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."
"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 #9:
The Secret State #9 Hitler’s Jewish Extermination:
Top Officer in WW2 to German Slaves,
to Top Underground Courier:
(an unknown chapter of World War 2)
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 #9:
Bites #6-10,German Death Camps:
#7) Mass Reprisal:
#8) An Eye for an Eye:
#9) Desperate Suggestions:
#10) Message to All People:
by Jan Karski :
#6) German Death Camps:
The two Jewish underground leaders offered to take me into one of the many German death camps where the Jews were tortured and murdered by the thousands. As an eye witness I would be much more convincing to our Allies than a mere mouth piece. At the same time, they warned me that if I accepted their offer I would have to risk my life to carry it out. They told me too, that as long as I lived I would be haunted by the ghastly scenes I would be forced to witness. I told them that soon I hoped to reach the other side of the barricade and hoped to have an opportunity to convince what was left of the civilized world of these facts. Therefore, I would have to have first hand acquaintance to what I would report. I told them I must go to see these things for myself although I did not feel equal to the task. It was settled then. As soon as possible it would be arranged for this visit to take place. I was to return to this same house again to continue discussions with the Jewish Underground Leaders as to how I could most effectively present their case to the rest of the world. I left them standing in the wavering candle light, two dejected shadows that wished me good night with a feeble warmth that denoted a trust in my person, rather than any confidence in our enterprise. When I returned again, the scene and their persons altered as little as the circumstances they had described. No more fitting place for our morbid conversations than the ruins of this old house with the silent moans of the wind.
The two Jewish underground leaders offered to take me into one of the many German death camps where the Jews were tortured and murdered by the thousands. As an eye witness I would be much more convincing to our Allies than a mere mouth piece. At the same time, they warned me that if I accepted their offer I would have to risk my life to carry it out. They told me too, that as long as I lived I would be haunted by the ghastly scenes I would be forced to witness. I told them that soon I hoped to reach the other side of the barricade and hoped to have an opportunity to convince what was left of the civilized world of these facts. Therefore, I would have to have first hand acquaintance to what I would report. I told them I must go to see these things for myself although I did not feel equal to the task. It was settled then. As soon as possible it would be arranged for this visit to take place. I was to return to this same house again to continue discussions with the Jewish Underground Leaders as to how I could most effectively present their case to the rest of the world. I left them standing in the wavering candle light, two dejected shadows that wished me good night with a feeble warmth that denoted a trust in my person, rather than any confidence in our enterprise. When I returned again, the scene and their persons altered as little as the circumstances they had described. No more fitting place for our morbid conversations than the ruins of this old house with the silent moans of the wind.
When I returned to discuss the trip to the ghetto we first discussed my trip to London and what I would bring to the table on behalf of the Jewish Underground. I asked them what would they have me to answer if the British and Americans asked what they can do to help. the answer I got was bitter and realistic. The Zionist Leader spoke first: “Germany can be impressed only by power and violence! The cities of Germany should be bombed mercilessly and leaflets should be dropped informing the German citizens of the fate of the Polish Jews. We ought to threaten the entire German nation with a similar fate--- BOTH DURING AND AFTER THE WAR--- We do not believe in, and do not aim at a slaughter of the German people, but such a threat is the only possible way to check the German atrocities. Such a warning backed up by force might frighten the German people into putting enough pressure on their leaders to make them change their practices. Nothing else will work!” Then the Bund Leader added: “We know this plan can not be carried out. It will not fit into Allied Military strategy but we can’t help that. The Jews, and those who wish to help them, can not afford to approach this war from a purely military stand point. Tell the Allied Governments if they want to help us ...to issue an official Declaration to the German Government and its people, telling them that the consequences of continued persecution will be MASS REPRISAL! The systematic destruction of the entire German nation.” ------ “I understand.” I said I would do my best to tell them and make them understand all they had told me to say.
#8) An Eye for an Eye:
“We demand more!” said the Zionist Jewish underground leader: “Hitler has said that all Germans, wherever they live and whatever they think, are one compact racial group. He has united them into a single army with the purpose of dominating the world. He is conducting a total war against civilization and his avowed purpose is to destroy the Jews completely. It is an unprecedented situation in human history and can be dealt only by unprecedented methods. Let the Allied Governments, wherever their hand can reach, in America, England, and Africa, all they can find. That is what the Jews demand.” ----- “But that is not right!” I said. “A demand like that would horrify and confuse those who were sympathetic with you.” ===== “Of Course, we know that.” said the Zionist, “But it is the only rebuttal to what is being done to us. We do not dream of it being fulfilled, but nevertheless, we must demand it. We want the world to know how we feel about what is being done to us; how helpless we are; how desperate our plight, and how little we stand to gain from an Allied victory as things are now.” They both paused for a minute as if to let the knowledge of their true condition sink into me. I felt tired and feverish. More and more, these two frantic figures pacing the floor in the shadowy room, their glances filled with despair, pain, and hopelessness, it seemed I could hear the cries of the frantic people falling into the chasm.
“We demand more!” said the Zionist Jewish underground leader: “Hitler has said that all Germans, wherever they live and whatever they think, are one compact racial group. He has united them into a single army with the purpose of dominating the world. He is conducting a total war against civilization and his avowed purpose is to destroy the Jews completely. It is an unprecedented situation in human history and can be dealt only by unprecedented methods. Let the Allied Governments, wherever their hand can reach, in America, England, and Africa, all they can find. That is what the Jews demand.” ----- “But that is not right!” I said. “A demand like that would horrify and confuse those who were sympathetic with you.” ===== “Of Course, we know that.” said the Zionist, “But it is the only rebuttal to what is being done to us. We do not dream of it being fulfilled, but nevertheless, we must demand it. We want the world to know how we feel about what is being done to us; how helpless we are; how desperate our plight, and how little we stand to gain from an Allied victory as things are now.” They both paused for a minute as if to let the knowledge of their true condition sink into me. I felt tired and feverish. More and more, these two frantic figures pacing the floor in the shadowy room, their glances filled with despair, pain, and hopelessness, it seemed I could hear the cries of the frantic people falling into the chasm.
#9) Desperate Suggestions:
“How can this be done?” I asked, bewildered by all their turbulent desperate suggestions against and opposed to all war strategy. But the Jewish leaders continued. The Zionist raised his fist as if to threaten all people who were on the other side of the barricade. “The democracies can not put up with the assertion that the Jewish people in Europe can not be saved! If Americans and British can be saved then why can not, as least Jewish children and women, the old and the sick be saved? Why can you not evacuate them? Why can not the lives of our Polish Jews be bought by the Allies?” Then I answered: “Can we give our enemies money to strengthen their war?” Then the answer came back: “That’s just it! Everybody tells us it is against the strategy of war. But strategy can be changed and adjusted to include the rescue of the people. Why does the world let the Jewish people die? Have we not contributed our share to culture? Have we not worked and fought and bled? Why do they unite and fight for all others? Why was it never said that strategy and tactics would be changed to correspond to the methods applied by the Germans to the Jewish popularity?” I stood up suddenly. “What plan of action do you want me to suggest to the Jewish Leaders in England and America?” They have something to say about the course of this war. They can act for you.”
#10 A Message to all People:
The Bund Leader came up to me in silence. He grabbed my arm so tight it ached. I looked into his wild staring eyes. I was moved by the deep unbearable pain in them. Tell the Jewish leaders in Europe that this is not a case for politics or tactics. Tell them that the earth must be shaken to its foundation. The world must be aroused. Perhaps then it will wake up; understand and perceive. Tell them they must find the strength and courage to make sacrifices no other statesmen had ever had to make. Sacrifices as painful as the fate of a dying people. This is what they do not understand. German alms and methods are without precedent in history! The democracies must react in a way that is also without precedent and choose unheard of methods as an answer. If not, this victory will be only partial; only a military victory. Their methods will not preserve what the enemy includes in his program of destruction. Their methods can not preserve the people.” He paused and released my arm from his grip. He paced about for a moment nervously and then came to a halt in front of me. He spoke slowly and with great deliberation: “Tell the Jewish leaders to go to all the important English and American offices and agencies. Tell them not to leave until they have a guarantee that a way has been decided upon to save our people. Let them accept no food or drink until it shakes the conscience of the world. I sank into my arm chair. My whole body felt chilled. I rose to go. “One more thing!” The Zionist Leader begged.
The Bund Leader came up to me in silence. He grabbed my arm so tight it ached. I looked into his wild staring eyes. I was moved by the deep unbearable pain in them. Tell the Jewish leaders in Europe that this is not a case for politics or tactics. Tell them that the earth must be shaken to its foundation. The world must be aroused. Perhaps then it will wake up; understand and perceive. Tell them they must find the strength and courage to make sacrifices no other statesmen had ever had to make. Sacrifices as painful as the fate of a dying people. This is what they do not understand. German alms and methods are without precedent in history! The democracies must react in a way that is also without precedent and choose unheard of methods as an answer. If not, this victory will be only partial; only a military victory. Their methods will not preserve what the enemy includes in his program of destruction. Their methods can not preserve the people.” He paused and released my arm from his grip. He paced about for a moment nervously and then came to a halt in front of me. He spoke slowly and with great deliberation: “Tell the Jewish leaders to go to all the important English and American offices and agencies. Tell them not to leave until they have a guarantee that a way has been decided upon to save our people. Let them accept no food or drink until it shakes the conscience of the world. I sank into my arm chair. My whole body felt chilled. I rose to go. “One more thing!” The Zionist Leader begged.
(to be continued) ....
(To be continued )
Daily Bites of The Secret State Series #9
Hitler’s Jewish Extermination:
Top Officer in WW2 to German Slaves,
to Top Underground Courier:
to Top Underground Courier:
#12) Visiting the Desolation:
#13) The Living Dead:
#14) Forced Labor:
#15) The German Death Tax:
by Jan Karski 1944 :
“From The Secret State”
The Secret State: Series 9:
#16) A Game Called Murder:
#17) After the Shooting:
#18) Reports to the Allies:
#19) A Special Meeting:
#20) Requesting Drastic Details:
#21) So Many Interviews: So Many Meetings:
#22) Tales of Horror:
#23) Preparations for Entering Death Camp:
#24) buying Back a Life:
#25) Inside the Death Camp:
#26) The One Way Train Ride:
#27) Indescribable Dehumanizing:
#28) Marching through the Death Camp:
#29) Posted at the Death Gate:
#30) The Massacre: (to be continued) How the War was Won:
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https://redd.it/6y400k
Hitler’s Jewish Extermination:
Top Officer in WW2 to German Slaves,
to Top Underground Courier:
to Top Underground Courier:
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