We Are All Hostages: Report from a Prison of the Polish Military Regime

Abstract

This war was not declared. In course of a Saturday night in December, officials of security system (Sicherheitsapparat) 1 hammered on our houses, broke doors open with crowbars, came in swinging wildly, shot teargas in our eyes, put handcuffs on us, and led us away—as internees—to prisons. We were first prisoners in this war of communist establishment against its own people. The action in night was first victorious battle of General. This is how resolution of 9th Party Congress of United Polish Workers* Party (PVAP—the communist party in Poland) concerning incompatibility of various official positions of leadership was to be realized. Jaruzelski, at same time Defense Minister, Premier, and First Secretary of Party, also became head of Military Council for National Deliverance, abbreviated WRONA. But wrona also means the crow in (Polish). The Poles will now forever associate word with ugly bird, with caricature of eagle that ornaments Polish national coat of arms. A future historical account will praise precision of attack, perfect selection of moment, and able carrying-out of action. The historians will describe til** consistency with which all resistance of enemy was broken, and poets will sing praises to great military triumphs of this army, which through its struggle achieved victory in streets of Danzig, in Warsaw factories, in steel mills, coal mines, and in shipyards. General Jaruzelski increased fame of Polish military by occupying Warsaw radio station and television station along with central telephone system building in one skillful maneuver. Truly, since battle of King Sobieski near Vienna in 1683, none of our leaders have been able to claim such successes. Now musicians will compose symphonies, painters will immortalize victorious attacks, film directors will shoot patriotic films, and all for honor of leaders of December night. The Council of State will doubtlessly introduce a new medal—for participation in campaign of December 1981.