Opieka konsulatów RP nad emigrantami polskimi w latach 1918-1926

Abstract

The article is a summary of the activities of the Polish consulates with regard to their care over Polish emigrants in the years 1918-1926. The range of such activities was very wide. Consulates maintained permanent contact with the Polish emigration, they helped to find job for Polish emigrants and provided them with legal advice in the field of legal provisions and social security system. Also Polish consulates took deposits, organized the shipment of emigrants` savings to the country and, if absolutely necessary, gave assistance grants and loans. Unofficially, the consulates were also engaged in cultural and educational activities abroad, which were designed to keep Polish national identity, particularly such elements like language, traditions, etc. Their involvement was the method to protect Polish emigrants against denationalization. For this purpose, the consulates established Polish schools, libraries, organized an education of Polish language, patriotic events, such as the anniversary of 3rd of May, exhibitions, artistic performances, festivals and many others. The activities of the consuls in this area were one of the most secret areas of the work of Polish consulates. Not only they sought to integrate the activities of the Polish community to maintain the bonds between the Polish and Polish identity, but also they were involved in actions in favor of aid to the country. Needs and expectations were obviously higher, but the intensity and nature of the activity of Polish consulates abroad was mainly determined by the condition of financial resources. The scarcity of material resources for this purpose was the result of having to make investments in other areas of the newly formed Polish state.