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Who can think that this eviction of Germans was undertaken only as a temporary experiment? Those who adopted the decision on the eviction of the Germans from these territories, and who understood that Poles from other Polish districts would at once move into these territories, cannot suggest after a while to carry out reverse measures. The very idea of involving millions of people in such experiments is unbelievable, quite apart from the cruelty of it, both towards the Poles and the Germans themselves.

Vyacheslav Molotov#6

CrueltyEthicsPolicyPopulationTerritory

About this quote

What does it mean?
Mass population transfers are cruel and irreversible experiments.
In plain terms
Moving millions is cruel and cannot be undone.
What can you take from it?
Avoid large-scale population experiments.

Where it applies

  • ethnic policy
  • refugee management
  • territorial disputes

Putting it to work

  • protect minorities
  • avoid mass moves
  • plan carefully

Questions to consider

  • Are such moves ever justified?
  • How to handle disputed lands?

Another view

Historical moves often ignore the human cost.

More from Vyacheslav Molotov

  1. As long as we live in a system of states, and as long as the roots of fascism and imperialist aggression have not finally been extirpated, our vigilance in reg…

    Permalink to quote #5
  2. The old world must make way for the new.

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. We cannot lose Poland. If this line is crossed, they will grab us, too.

    Permalink to quote #4

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