Repatriation of Polish Prisoners of War from Camps of Central Russia (1921–1922)

Abstract

The problem of prisoners of war of the Polish-Soviet war of 1919–1920 remains one of the most debatable issues in modern historiography. This topic is poorly studied in both domestic and foreign (especially Polish) historiography. The article deals with the process and mechanism of repatriating Polish prisoners from camps in Central Russia in 1921–1922. The authors note that the discussion of repatriation began at the end of 1919. Negotiations ended with the signing of a repatriation agreement between the RSFSR, the Ukrainian SSR, and Poland on February 24, 1921. In accordance with the developed normative documentation, Polish prisoners of war were subjected to sanitary treatment (baths, haircuts) before being sent; they were given underwear and uniforms; they were provided with food for the period of their journey; and they were fully paid. Sick prisoners of war were sent in special trains or in separate ambulances accompanied by medical personnel. The first echelons with Polish prisoners of war began “leaving” for Poland in March 1921. Mass repatriation was completed by the autumn of the same year. In the future, repatriation concerned only individuals and would be of a personal nature. In total, almost 35 000 prisoners of war were sent to Poland.