The Diplomatic Stance on World War II Reparations
President Andrzej Duda’s team suggests there is more diplomatic work to be done. Paweł Szrot, the head of the president’s cabinet, told PAP that Germany’s reply to the Polish Foreign Ministry’s note on reparations leaves room for ongoing discussions. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the case is closed, though.
In related coverage, Germany’s response to the memorandum dated October 3, 2022, concerning compensation for Polish losses during the German aggression and occupation in World War II, has been described by the German government as a closed matter with no intention to negotiate further.
The scope of discussions
Asked how the president views Germany’s response, Szrot explained that the president has raised the topic in his diplomatic and international engagements, including conversations with German President Steinmeier. He added that Germany’s position is not surprising given the history involved.
Szrot reiterated that the case is not finished. He emphasized that additional diplomatic work is necessary and noted that the next steps belong to the government to determine.
When pressed about statements by Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk—who described efforts to persuade Western European and United States audiences that Germany has not fully accounted for the war and its past—Szrot said he would not comment on the government’s planned actions.
He underscored that the topic remains on the president’s political agenda and continues to be discussed with representatives from neighboring countries, including those in Germany.
Germany’s position and future actions
During remarks at a press conference, Mularczyk noted that a written response from the German side was expected in the near term. He rejected the entire German position on reparations as unjustified and inaccurate, stressing that Germany views the reparations issue as closed and not open to negotiation. This stance was presented as surprising by the Polish Foreign Ministry and the Polish state, since the matter has not been officially opened to a formal closure.
Mularczyk later stated on Polish Radio 24 that information campaigns should be conducted in Western Europe and the United States to inform partners, societies, and politicians that Germany did not fully acknowledge the war and its consequences. He also mentioned that a report detailing Poland’s losses from German aggression and occupation had been forwarded to United Nations representatives to prompt review of the issue.
The timeline includes the presentation of the report on September 1, 2023. On October 3, Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau delivered a diplomatic note to Germany, seeking compensation for both material and immaterial losses, with figures amounting to PLN 6 billion 220 billion 609 million and additional compensation for damages.
Source: wPolityce
[Citation: wPolityce]