Divided Loyalty

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Poland was a quasi-military State undergoing rapid political and social change. Nevertheless, Britain signed an agreement with the country as part of its decision to adopt a policy of encircling Germany: a resolution requiring an ally in the East. On the collapse of Poland in October 1939, the country's political opposition executed a coup against the Polish Government and formed a new administration, which was recognized by the Allies as the Polish Government in Exile. This regime change precipitated a feud between the supporters of the new and old governments, which lasted throughout the war. In 1945, the British removed their recognition of the exiled government - now based in London - to pave the way for the Soviet Union to impose a communist administration in Poland. However striking and fateful these events were, the history of how regime change came to Britain's Polish ally has largely been ignored until now.

La izbucnirea celui de-al doilea razboi mondial, Polonia era un stat cvasimilitar care suferea schimbari politice si sociale rapide. Cu toate acestea, Marea Britanie a semnat un acord cu tara ca parte a deciziei sale de a adopta o politica de incercuire a Germaniei: o rezolutie care necesita un aliat in est.