Normalization of Polish-German relations in 1970 in the consciousness of society of Rzeszów Province in the context of reports of the Internal Security Service

The normalization of Polish-German relations, which took place in 1970 (Agreement between Poland and Germany), was one of the most important events in the history of foreign policy of the Polish People's Republic. The authorities were convinced at the time that the international success of Polish government would strengthen and consolidate their political power as well as distracting the public opinion’s attention focused so far on Polish internal problems. According to the reports of the Rzeszów Internal Security Service, new good relations with West Germany had indeed affected Polish society, albeit in a manner which surprised authorities. While the people perceived it a success, it was in general commented on by Polish society in a way which was not particularly favourable to the authorities. The public opinion stressed quite strongly that the normalization of relations with West Germany could lead to Poland’s economic subordination to Germany and to an increase in the penetration of Poland by intelligence services from the West. It might also spell a new armed conflict. Moreover, the interest in the Polish-German agreement was pushed to the background by constantly repeated rumours related to the difficult internal situation in Poland. In consequence, the actual social impact of the normalization process of relations between Poland and Germany proved to be much less than it had been expected by the authorities. The failure was confirmed just a few months later by the tragic events which took place in the Polish Pomerania region