Alliance of Poles in Austria (1945-1982)

Abstract

There are two known Polish immigrant organizations in Austria: the Alliance of Poles „Strzecha” and the Alliance of Poles in Austria. The above article deals with the latter. The Alliance of Poles in Austria was founded at the congress of Polish centres in Upper Austria and Salzburg held in Frankenmarkt on December 7, 1945.

In the 1940s and 1950s the Alliance was the largest Polish organization in Austria. Since then, however, it has been gradually losing its members and importance.

In 1945-1955 Austria was_; divided into 4 occupied zones. Originally, the Alliance of Poles in Austria covered the area of Upper Austria and Salzburg (the American zone). In 1948 two branches of the Alliance were founded in Grazu and Villach (the British zone). Finally, in 1955 it covered the whole country with the seat in Salzburg. Then, in 1966 it was moved to Vien. It assembled mainly the emigrants of war. It does not keep in touch with the government of the Polish People’s Republic. The Alliance published the following periodicals: „Biuletyn Informacyjny”, „Glos Polski” and „Polonia”. The organization performed social, cultural and educational activities. In 1952-1980 it supported few Polish schools (10 scrolls in 1959), organized summer camps, helped some students and cooperated withe the Polish priests. In general, the Alliance played a positive role in maintainig the ethnic identity of the Poles in Austria.