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URI [dataset] University of Southampton Faculty of Arts and Humanities History Between anti-Semitism and political pragmatism: Polish perceptions of Jewish national endeavours in Palestine between the two world wars Katarzyna Dziekan Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy October 2019 University of Southampton Abstract Faculty of Arts and Humanities History Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Between anti-Semitism and political pragmatism: Polish perceptions of Jewish national endeavours in Palestine between the two world wars Katarzyna Dziekan Since Zionism was endemic within the Polish-Jewish politics of the interbellum, Warsaw’s elites, regardless of their political persuasion, were compelled to take a specific stand on the Zionist ideology and Jewish national aims in Palestine. Being chiefly concerned with understanding the reasons behind Polish official engagement with the Zionist cause, this dissertation charts the ideological, socio-political and economic developments of the mutual relations between Poland and the Zionist movement. By analysing crucial discussions that swept through the Polish political scene, this project highlights the diversity of ideological receptions and attitudes within Poland’s elites toward Zionism and the Palestine question, arguing that the pro- Zionist approach was not only propelled by anti-Semitism but was also the result of precisely calculated political, economic and diplomatic motives. The question of Polish-Zionist interdependence is a fascinating and still little-known episode of history. In the existing historiography, Poland’s engagement with Zionism remains largely peripheral or is regarded as the most effective means of convincing Jews to emigrate from Poland. While not denying the importance of political anti-Semitism in the late 1930s, this project departs from the distorting lens of the tragic events of the Second World War and Nazi genocide. Drawing on documentation from Polish, Israeli and British archives and even more extensively on press coverage, this dissertation determines the concerns and objectives of Poland’s political elites vis-à-vis Zionism, their perceptions of Jewish endeavours in the Middle East and the political ramifications for both sides. In doing so, it contextualizes the Polish government as an important voice in the international debate on Jewish emigration and the Palestine project. As this dissertation maintains, attitudes and official perceptions of Zionism evolved significantly during the interwar period and were inextricably intertwined with a complex set of internal and external factors. The implications of Polish interwar politics had a profound effect on the official perceptions of Zionism. The most influential events of this period were Piłsudski’s seizure of power in May 1926, the rise of a semi-authoritarian regime, the growth of ethno- nationalism within the Polish society and the process of erosion of the Sanacja camp’s political significance in the aftermath of the Marshal’s death. In addition, subsequent developments within international politics shaped the extent of bilateral Polish-Zionist relations. Thus, this project is embedded within the wider historical, diplomatic and geopolitical context of the rapidly changing political landscape of Poland, Europe and the Middle East. Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... i Research Thesis: Declaration of Authorship ....................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... v Definitions and Abbreviations ............................................................................................ vii Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1 Vying for the leadership of Polish Jewry - Polish Zionism in the 1920s ...... 35 Chapter 2 For your freedom or ours? - Polish ideological perceptions of Zionism ..... 51 Chapter 3 From the country of origin to homeland – interwar Polish-Jewish emigration to Palestine ....................................................................................................... 91 Chapter 4 A key to the Middle East - Economic cooperation between Poland and Jewish Palestine ................................................................................................................. 131 Chapter 5 A dedicated alliance or calculated diplomacy? .......................................... 169 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 223 Appendix ............................................................................................................................ 229 Bibliography ....................................................................................................................... 241 i Research Thesis: Declaration of Authorship Research Thesis: Declaration of Authorship Print name: Katarzyna Dziekan Between anti-Semitism and political pragmatism: Title of thesis: Polish perceptions of Jewish national endeavours in Palestine between the two world wars I declare that this thesis and the work presented in it are my own and has been generated by me as the result of my own original research. I confirm that: 1. This work was done wholly or mainly while in candidature for a research degree at this University; 2. Where any part of this thesis has previously been submitted for a degree or any other qualification at this University or any other institution, this has been clearly stated; 3. Where I have consulted the published work of others, this is always clearly attributed; 4. Where I have quoted from the work of others, the source is always given. With the exception of such quotations, this thesis is entirely my own work; 5. I have acknowledged all main sources of help; 6. Where the thesis is based on work done by myself jointly with others, I have made clear exactly what was done by others and what I have contributed myself; 7. None of this work has been published before submission. Signature: Date: 8th October 2019 iii Acknowledgements Acknowledgements My doctoral studies have provided me with the opportunity to cooperate with an extraordinary range of people from unusual historical and political backgrounds. Their differing points of view have challenged and confronted my own interpretations. These many people from within academia and beyond, have enriched my life greatly and as a consequence I am extremely grateful that our paths have crossed. My studies at the University of Southampton would not have been possible without the award of the Parkes Institute East European Scholarship, granted in 2015 for the purpose of pursuing a degree at master’s level and the generous Archival Scholarship from the University for the doctorate. The MA programme not only confirmed my commitment to the history of Polish- Jewish relations, but also encouraged me to challenge and expand my intellectual horizons. My time at Southampton has been particularly stimulating and gratifying, thanks to a distinguished faculty within which I have studied. Particular thanks are due to Prof. Shirli Gilbert, Prof. Joachim Schloer, Dr. Claire Le Foll, Prof. Tony Kushner, Dr. Dan Levene and many others. My greatest debt of gratitude is to my supervisors, Prof. Shirli Gilbert and Prof. Joachim Schloer, who have been outstanding mentors and advisors throughout. I count myself extremely privileged to have had such supportive and committed advisors. Prof. Shirli Gilbert’s encouragement and profound insights have not only enriched my understanding of the complexity of the Polish-Jewish relations, but also have enabled me to contextualise this research project. Her extraordinary commitment and suggestions how to navigate through the complexities of the academia far exceeded anything I expected when I started my doctoral studies. I am equally indebted to Prof. Joachim Schloer for his insightful comments to the earlier drafts of my dissertation and his time to discuss various aspects of the history of the European Right and the complex Polish-Zionist relations. As a postgraduate student, I was privileged to participate in numerous seminars and course works. I am particularly indebted to the organisers of the Graduate Summer School in Jewish Studies, Shaking