Status and Prospects for Research on Functioning of the Second Polish Republic Government since mid-October 1938 till 31 August 1939
Status and Prospects for Research on Functioning of the Second Polish Republic Government since mid-October 1938 till 31 August 1939

Summary/Abstract: The topic of the Council of Ministers in Poland, which was also termed during the interwar period, as was the Government, has not seen a monographic publication on its history, decisions, and actions. The same situation is for individual ministries and government institutions. Some fi ne texts were printed but all this allows only to get superficial knowledge on their organizations and activities. This leads to the first research postulate – to change this state of affairs. This will be neither easy nor simple, as it would be indicated in the text of this article. Secondly, it would be also necessary to launch basic research on this specific period, preferably on a large scale. Due to the period on question, it is also essential to link domestic research with archival research in foreign archives, also in Romania, which have not been so far properly and thoroughly explored by Polish historians. This seems not only justified but also very logical as Romania had been the place of evacuation for the highest state authorities (President of the Second Polish Republic, Polish Government, Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces) and many top Government officials. Third research postulate refers to publication in response to main research postulates. This should take a form of a monograph on the Polish Council of Ministers and/or several separate articles to cover many dimensions and a number of the most important problems. It would also be advisable to complement the picture with biographies of ministers from the last prewar Cabinet, the Government, which not only firmly accepted the challenge from Germany, but also coordinated defence preparations of the State and Polish society. There were multiple reasons for the defeat and a big number of texts on this topic has been written and published. However, it is still necessary to consider plans, decision, and activities of the Polish Government in the context of the armed conflict. This text presents the status of research on the Polish Council of Ministers and should allow work on next research perspectives. Research questions should support the discussion on the Polish Military September 1939 Campaign, which should continue to be an important and obligatory element of any scientific discourse.

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