Interview with correspondent from Daily Express

Józef Piłsudski

(15 June 1920)

The following unauthorised interview revolves around the issue of peace negotiations with Russia, which were no longer conducted at the time when the interview was published.

The correspondent apparently completely misinterpreted Piłsudski’s statements. Since we are unable to determine what Piłsudski could actually have said at the time, and what statements are the result of inaccurate editing, we do not offer any comments. The interview was published in the English Daily Express of 17 June 1920 and was dated 15 June.

When will peace be concluded with Russia and under what conditions will Poland negotiate with the Bolsheviks?
At present, there is a ministerial crisis in Poland – and there is the question of peace and its terms. I cannot divulge anything now that could harm negotiations.
But the state is in fact you, Marshal…
I am not Louis XIV, but I can say that Poland is still willing to start negotiations with Russia, just as it was the case two months ago. In principle, the conditions have not changed. We still want a treaty.

Then he added, showing some agitation for the first time during our interview:

– But where are our guarantees? Therein lies the hitch.

The last thing that Poland needs right now is a suspicion that the Soviets could fail to observe the terms of this peace after it has been concluded. The true Russia does not exist politically. How could it offer a guarantee of permanent peace to Europe?

If peace were concluded, what would you imagine its enforcement would look like, general?
It could become binding if Russia’s internal relations changed and if Russia were to undergo a revolution. Then there would be grounds for hope that both Poland and Russia could return to their hearths and lick their wounds. Only then would we no longer be afraid of the threat from the East, and we would be able to disband our numerous armies that are now ready for battle.

I have noticed that there are imperialist tendencies in some circles in Poland. Marshal Piłsudski’s reply was laconic:

– This goes against our nature, and those who make such claims do not know Poland.

Finally, I asked about his opinion on Krasin’s negotiations in London. His reply was equally brief and firm:

– Those who conduct these negotiations do not know Russia.