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Poland relations with Italy 1939-43?


sijet  2 | 12
8 Apr 2020   #1
As I understand it, Poland and Italy had at least neutral relations before the start of the Second World War. Does anyone know what the situation was like after the German-Soviet invasion in 1939?

Yes, we all know about the Polish troops fighting in Italy (e.g. Monte Cassino), but this was after the collapse of Mussolini's government. What were the relations like between 1939-43?

One website I found claims that Poland only broke diplomatic ties with Italy on November 13, 1940: worldatwar.net/timeline/other/diplomacy39-45.html
Does this mean that Italy and the Polish government-in-exile maintained contacts before this, and that Italy did not recognise the dissolution of Poland in 1939?

Was there ever a formal declaration of war between the two countries?

What about Polish citisens in Italian territory? Were they interned or handed over to the Germans after Italy joined the war?

Any information on this topic would be appreciated.
Tlum  12 | 266
24 Jul 2024   #2
An interesting question. I don't know the answer, but Italy being close to Germany during the WW2 may suggest the relations weren't too good back then. Still, I doubt Poles would blame Italians for the war or damages.
pawian  221 | 25662
24 Jul 2024   #3
What were the relations like between 1939-43?

The diary of Galeazzo Ciano, Italian Foreign Minister in Mussolini`s gov, is available both in Polish and English. It is quite a thick book. I have it but never read it.
Mr Grunwald  33 | 2135
25 Jul 2024   #4
Many non-German Fascist/authoritarian regimes sympathised with Poland in 1939-1940

It allowed for transport of Gold reserves, Polish soldiers and Polish personnel. Most notably Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia and Italy were positive despite trying to have neutral or cordial relations with Germany to avoid being invaded themselves.

Italian journalist tried to portray Polish cavalry as heroic soldiers willing to fall in battle against the monstrosity of the German machine. It was seen as very sacreficial, bold and heroic to the awe of many rightwingers in Europe. For sure some in U.S.A too since many Polish Americans decided to join Polish free forces before 1941 after a campaign showing Poland as a knight fighting the "German dragon"

One has to remember that the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact didn't sit well with many people, and left many even confused.


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