Raczyński's Note


Raczyński's Note was the official diplomatic note of the government of Poland in exile from December 10, 1942, signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Raczyński regarding the extermination of the Jews in German-occupied Poland. It was the first official report on the Holocaust, informing the Western public about these crimes. It was also the first official speech of one of the governments in defense of all Jews persecuted by Germany – not only citizens of their country.

History

The note was written by the Polish diplomat, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Exile Government in London Edward Raczyński on the basis of documents imported in the form of microfilm to London by courier Jan Karski and confirmed by his certificate, and Karski's reports prepared in 1940–1942 by Jan Karski. Raczyński's note was sent on December 10, 1942, to the governments of the signatory countries of the United Nations Declaration. It was personally addressed to other foreign ministers.
On behalf of the Polish government, Raczyński informed the governments of all Allied countries about the desperate situation of Jews in the German-occupied Poland and the unfolding genocide being carried out by the Germans, calling for help.

Contents

The note was written on nine pages of the typescript. In 21 points it presented a description of the background of the problem and the current situation of Jews in occupied Poland, a chronological description of the information campaign of the Polish government on this area, and a call for allied governments to stop the crime. The note was sent to foreign ministers of the 26 governments that signed the Declaration by United Nations in 1942. Below is the note sent to Anthony Eden on 10 December 1942: