Events arising out of the Polish-German War have revealed the internal insolvency and obvious impotence of the Polish state. Polish ruling circles have suffered bankruptcy: Warsaw as the capital of the Polish state no longer exists. No one knows the whereabouts of the Polish Government. The population of Poland have been abandoned by their ill-starred leaders to their fate. The Polish State and its Government have virtually ceased to exist. In view of this state of affairs, treaties concluded between the Soviet Union and Poland have ceased to operate. A situation has arisen in Poland which demands of the Soviet Government especial concern for the security of its State. Poland has become a fertile field for any accidental and unexpected contingency that may create a menace for the Soviet Union...Nor can it be demanded of the Soviet Government that it remain indifferent to the fate of its Blood Brothers, the Ukrainians and White Russians inhabiting Poland, who even formerly were nations without rights and who now have been utterly abandoned to their fate. The Soviet Government deems it its sacred duty to extend the hand of assistance to its brother Ukrainians and White Russians inhabiting Poland.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Molotov claims the Polish state collapsed during the war, leaving its government lost and people abandoned. He argues Soviet treaties are void and Poland's chaos threatens Soviet security.
- In plain terms
- Poland fell apart during the war, so old treaties with the Soviets no longer apply.
- What can you take from it?
- When a neighbor collapses, treaties may void and security concerns rise.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does state collapse void international treaties?
- How should powers respond to neighbor state failure?
Another view
This claim serves as a propaganda justification for Soviet intervention.
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