Soviet Negotiations with Poland

During the economic and political crisis in Poland in the early 1980s, Polish officials often met with Soviet leaders to discuss the crisis and to determine how best to approach the situation in Poland. Following a meeting with representatives from Poland, the Central Committee of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union discussed the negotiations that took place between Soviet and Polish leaders, especially negotiations regarding economic hardships and needed assistance. As the meeting notes show, leaders of both countries were gravely concerned about the deteriorating economic situation in Poland. Poland was dependent not only on the Soviet Union but also on Western countries to help the country weather the economic crisis. This document points to the extent of the difficulties that both Polish and Soviet economies experienced during the early 1980s. Among other factors, the economic crisis was a catalyst for the eventual collapse of communism in Poland, and in the region more generally.