The USSR’s Stance on the Introduction of Martial Law in Poland in the Light of General Wojciech Jaruzelski’s Visit to Moscow on March 1–2, 1982

Abstract

Abstract. This article discusses a particular moment in the history of Polish-Soviet relations when the authorities of the Polish People’s Republic decided to impose martial law in the early 1980s after the turbulent months of the first Solidarity. The intervention of the power ministries in the internal life of the country and the consequent marginalisation of the Polish United Workers’ Party – under the auspices of Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski – was criticised in Moscow. This study presents selected declassified documents from the Office of the Council of Ministers of the PPR, which reveal doubts and fears of the Polish side prior to the planned visit of the official party and government delegation to the USSR in March 1982. The material also offers insights into some of the remarks that the Soviet side communicated to its Polish partners during the visit.