"Poland," said Hitler at Danzig, referring to the state recreated by the Treaty of Versailles, "will never rise again." His prophecies, like his pledges, are no longer accepted at face value, but before committing himself to this one he should have hesitated. So other invaders before Hitler have willed and believed, yet Poland always came back.

Poland repelled the Mongols when, centuries ago, they overran half of Europe. Again, it was a Polish king, Jan Sobieski, who turned back the Turk from the gates of Vienna. Throughout the Middle Ages Poland was a bulwark of Christian civilization against the invader. Then three European monarchs combined to destroy her. Thrice she suffered vivisection, yet always the mutilated body retained life. Again and again that life manifested itself in revolts savagely suppressed, ever renewed. Against the indomitable spirit of Polish nationalism tyranny could do nothing.

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Such is Polish tradition and of such stuff are made the Poles whose stand against the present invader has brought to arms other free peoples threatened by his doctrine of unbridled force. When Herr Hitler proclaims that Poland as a free and independent nation shall never live again he promises more than a dictator can insure. And Polish history refutes him.

by opolsce

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