He thought for folly five minutes, while I examined his bookshelves, filled with the classics, with books on science and sociology, and with his own voluminous writings-pre-war, of course. "It is not my business to advise the United States and Britain. But I will say that I do not believe at all that a firm Anglo-American foreign policy would lead to war. I am sure the Russians do not want war. Britain and America are strong enough to ensure peace, to force the Soviet Government to make reasonable compromises without any danger of war. With the consistent: support of democratic forces throughout the world, we can win against both Fascist and Communist totalitarianism. "It would be very unfortunate if Britain and the United States wo':lld recognize these elections as fulfilling the Yalta pledge of free and unfetted elections. But breaking off diplomatic relations would do no good. I hope that your Government will send a strong protest characterizing the elections as fraudulent and demanding new elections and asking for the protection of the right of political parties to function legally. Protests will not change conditions in Poland, but they are nevertheless necessary. And the Polish problem should be brought up before the United Nations Security Council." As we shook hands in farewell, he voiced these words, which may seem axiomatic and platitudinous to Americans, but to which this grand old man of Polish social democracy gave new significance : " Democracy, freedom, is the most wonderful thing in the world. Without liberty, none of the economic achievements of Socialism can make life worth living." I turned back from the door. "If I print what you have said to me, will it not endanger your life ? " " I do not think the Government will arrest either Mikolajczyk or me-not now at least. I refuse to be silent. I am too old to become a coward." 30 Biblioteca Gino Bianco
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