UKRAINIANS OR POLES? STRATEGIES FOR THE SURVIVAL OF POLES–SPECIAL SETTLERS IN THE 40–50S OF THE 20TH CENTURY IN A TOTALITARIAN STATE (According to the archives of the Head Offi ce of the Ministry of Internal Aff airs in Lviv region)

Abstract

Some behavioral strategies for the survival of the Polish population in Western Ukraine in the 40–50s of the 20th century were determined based on the secret documents of the Archives of the Head Office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Lviv region. It is outlined that after World War II there was a widespread tendency for Ukrainians to enroll in village councils, to conceal and reticence the Polish nationality. Features of Polish assistance to Ukrainian insurgents are revealed. The reasons for helping Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UIA) soldiers have been clarified: from coercion and family ties to personal choice. It was noted that Poles, suspected by the MGB of «gang involvement» in the UIA, were convicted as Ukrainians. The documents in which their Ukrainian nationality is written are listed. The accounting and personal files of the accused were analyzed in detail. Previously unknown biographical episodes of Polish special settlers have been revealed. Their Polish nationality is revealed in the course of the case and accusations are made to dispel suspicions of aiding the OUN. Rehabilitation of Polish ancestry was a strategy for survival in difficult conditions. This was done to avoid deportation to special settlements in Siberia or imprisonment. Further strategies of substantiation of pre-war Polish ancestry in special settlements and their purpose are gradually traced, namely: due to Polish origin from leaving the Soviet Union to Poland, or returning home. It was noted that special settlers were forbidden to return home, but the Soviet authorities allowed them to travel to Poland only based on applications from Polish relatives, despite the documented Polish nationality. Also, the results of these strategies and the fate of special settlers are indicated. Keywords Ukrainians, Poles, nationality, special settlements, survival strategies, Western Ukraine, Poland.