The threat of Soviet army attacking Poland was one of reasons justifying introduction of martial law by authoritarian government of the People's Republic of Poland.

200 documents concerning Poland, dating from the years 1956-84 will be revealed today in Brussels.

 This collection comprises NATO records created by the Council, Political Affairs Division, the Military Authorities (Military Committee and SHAPE), NATO’s Situation Centre assessments on the situation on Poland as well as reports received from the member countries covering political, economic, social, religious and cultural aspects as well as reports of meetings with officials in Poland.

According to NATO documents Sowiet army was threteaning Poland with military intervention but neper intended to do so. An analysis from 1981 states that there were no signs of military actions being undertaken by the Polish army on Polish soil.

Fotogaleria: Wprowadzenie stanu wojennego

NATO experts pointed that the People's Republic of Poland authorities were under pressure from Warsaw Pact member states and had to force the society to accept “tough politics” to regain “respect fro the party”. On December 4 NATO warned Poland about the critical situation and likely introduction of state of emergency.

The publication of these records on 13 December 2011 coincides with the launching of an exhibition “Poland – The Long Journey to Freedom “ to be displayed at NATO HQ (13 – 21 December 2011) and a seminar with historians which will be made available on the NATO archives website in the coming weeks.

BS/Radio ZET/PAP