Conference “Diplomacy Behind The Frontlines: Governments-In-Exile In Wartime London”
30.06.2024
The Polish Embassy in London hosted a special panel discussion titled “Diplomacy Behind The Frontlines: Governments-In-Exile In Wartime London”, exploring the diverse stories of governments operating away from their homelands during WWII. The event was co-organised with the Centre for Research on the History of the Polish Government-in-Exile at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.
The event was inaugurated by Ambassador Piotr Wilczek, who paid homage to the turbulent past and the pivotal role of the Polish Embassy building at Portland Place during the war. He described it as a bustling hub, with space increasingly divided among various ministries and the epicentre from which the Government directed their wartime efforts—fighting for Polish independence, supporting our Allies, saving countless civilian lives, and preserving priceless Polish cultural artefacts. This building was not just a vital point of contact for government officials but also a sanctuary for fleeing refugees and a temporary repository for state treasures.
Following the Ambassador's speech, Ambassador of Luxembourg to the UK Georges Friden underscored the pivotal role of both the Grand Duchess Charlotte and her government-in-exile. He highlighted their significant contribution to maintaining the spirit of the people fighting and resisting the enemy's oppression. Similarly, Dr Jarosław Rabiński of John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin stressed the importance of the study of the governments in exile and gave a thorough presentation of the ongoing academic work at the Centre for Research on the History of the Polish Government-in-Exile at his university.
London, a hub of European Exile and resistance during the war, welcomed governments from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Yugoslavia, and the Free French movements. An esteemed international panel of experts featuring Halik Kochanski, Aleksandar Jakir, Pavol Jakubec, Andrzej Suchcitz, and Olivier Worre shared their profound insights on the history and legacy of these exiled European governments. After the panel, the attendees could enjoy the discussions in a more informal setting during a reception.
Ambassadors from Bulgaria, the EU, Iceland, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Ukraine were among the event's guests. Other attendees included diplomats from fellow embassies and history scholars from the UK and beyond.
