“Let Poland Be Poland”: 30 Years Later

12 December 2011

Ambassador Feinstein interview with Karol Małcużyński of TVP Historia

Thirty years ago, the United States Information Agency (USIA) worked with private partners to produce a TV film, “Let Poland Be Poland” to show support for the Solidarity movement and the Polish people following the imposition of martial law.

To mark the 30th Anniversary of martial law in Poland and the American response, the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is posting highlights from the film “Let Poland Be Poland,” on YouTube, starting on December 13, and running through January 31st (the 30th anniversary of the film’s broadcast).

TVP Historia will broadcast the entire film at 8 p.m. on December 13, and plans additional showings in coming weeks.  The film is previewed with a short interview with U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Lee Feinstein.

The film or segments of the film were broadcast in the United States and more than 65 countries.  USIA estimated that the film or significant parts were seen by 185 million viewers worldwide.  The film includes the statements by fifteen world leaders, and appearances by union leaders, numerous celebrities, exiled Polish artists and officials, and footage from a variety of rallies around the world in support of the Polish people and Solidarity.

The free world was shocked and outraged at the imposition of martial law in Poland on December 13, 1981.  People in the United States and many other countries demonstrated their support for the Solidarity movement, and called for freedom and human rights in Poland.  The film, “Let Poland Be Poland” was made at the strong urging of President Ronald Reagan in conjunction with the observance of International “Solidarity Day,” January 30, 1982 to demonstrate international support for the people of Poland.  In addition to the introduction of economic sanctions against the communist regime in Poland, the United States lead an effort to rally the moral support of people all over the world behind Poland and the Solidarity movement.