Geopolityczne dylematy stosunków Polski i państw bałtyckich

ENRelations with the Baltic States have always been very important for Poland. These relations date back to the time of appearance of these states as independent entities. The very first contacts took place during the Peace Conference in Paris and turned then into closer interactions. An unprecedented event was constituted by the military assistance extended by Poland to Latvia in regaining its eastern province of Latgalia. In 1920, Polish victory under Warsaw saved the Baltic States from the disaster that the Soviet Russia prepared for them in case Red Army succeeded in Poland. After the war the common platform for Poland and the Baltic States to get closer to each other was the drive to maintain peace and status quo ante. A great role in this, side by side with the diplomats, was played by the military. The paper illustrates various expressions of the integrative attempts undertaken.In February 1934 the Baltic Entente was established, composed of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Polish side did not oppose. Final regulation of relations between Poland and Lithuania in 1938 contributed to the détente in the entire region. After the outbreak of World War II the Baltic States proclaimed neutrality. The downfall of Poland was perceived with growing apprehension. And indeed, taking advantage of the change in the situation, USSR introduced first the military bases into the territories of the Baltic States, and then incorporated them into the Soviet territory. The course of history confirmed once again the affinity and the commonality of the historical fate of Poland and the Baltic States. destruction of the IInd Commonwealth (1939), termination of the World War II and establishment of the non-sovereign Poland in new boundaries (1939–1945), regaining of independence and transformation of the neighbourhood of Poland (1979–1991).