LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (07/21/02)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The controversy over "Orlenta"

Dear Editor:

At present, there exists still a considerable political controversy over the details of the inscription on the "Orlenta" (Orliata) Monument in Lviv. According to newspaper reports, the details of the inscription may be finally adjudicated on the state level sometime in July. This entire episode may appear foreign to Ukrainian Americans, but to Ukrainians living in Lviv or Peremyshl, the whole problem surrounding this monument has high emotional overtones.

Many are aware of the fact that a substantial number of the fallen Polish soldiers in the Ukrainian-Polish war of 1918-1920 were children 14-15 years of age (hence the designation "Orlenta" that translates as "little eagles" or "eaglets"). They started fighting the Ukrainian authorities (thus breaking the existing truce, formal or informal), instigated into taking this action by their spiritual advisors, the Polish Roman Catholic priests.

Not only were such actions, (in particular, using children in combat), against the established rules of war, but Poles had the belief that it was worthwhile for them to stress these facts as rare examples of patriotism on their side, by misinforming the victorious Allied Powers on the details of these events. At that time, the Allied Powers were about to decide the political future of that part of the Austro-Hungarian empire known as Eastern Galicia, as part of the peace treaty between themselves and the Central Powers - Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria.

In the highly charged atmosphere of drawing new political borders, the Poles were spreading news that Ukrainians were starting a new war and fighting against women and children. To that they added the insinuation that the Ukrainian armed forces were only bands, little different from the despised Bolsheviks, and were also using German and Austrian mercenaries.

This, of course, struck a nerve with the numerous diplomats gathered in Paris. Polish propaganda proved to be highly successful: they got all the diplomatic help they needed, including political acceptance and substantial military help, against the Ukrainian "terrorists" of the day, who were believed to be attacking children and women. Ukraine was not recognized as an indepent, or at least an autonomous entity. Among the 11 officially recognized nationalities of the Austro-Hungarian empire, only Ukrainians were then so poorly treated.

Therefore, in the eyes of Ukrainians today living in Lviv or Peremyshl (where quite similar events also took place), the Poles do not deserve the word "heroic" on their monument of the "Eaglets," for two main reasons. Firstly, they used questionable propaganda and public relations tactics. Secondly, they violated some of the basic rules of war, by using a substantial number of under-age combatants in warfare.

But, in this case the Ukrainians were at least willing to admit that Polish soldiers were buried at the site of the monument who were fighting for their country. This is more recognition than what is still going on in Poland today, in the so-called "Trans-Curzon" land (Zakerzonnia), concerning the graves of soldiers of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), who died in the years 1944-1947. A large number of them still lie in unmarked graves where they fell in combat. Their graves do not enjoy any official protection at all, and efforts to rebury them properly are, in general, stymied by the Polish authorities.

Peter Hrycak
Cranford, N.J.

Is Fidel Castro a friend of Ukraine?

Dear Editor:

In his article "Patriotism does not equal unqualified support for Kuchma," (June 23), Roman Kupchinsky chastises President Leonid Kuchma for awarding Fidel Castro a high state award of Ukraine for his "humanitarianism." Not so fast, Mr. Kupchinsky, here are the facts. As old wisdom says "the enemy of your friend is not necessarily your enemy."

Last January I spent a month in Cuba, where I visited the recuperation camp of the children of Chornobyl. The camp was established by President Castro as a humanitarian gesture to the Soviet Union in 1991. During the decade of its existence the camp has hosted some 16,000 children affected by radiation from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Since 1998 only children from Ukraine have participated in the program. The Cuban government provides the children with lodging, food, and medical care. Because essential items are generally in low supply, the Ministry of Education of Ukraine provides for schooling, supplies, books and instructors.

So, Mr. Castro, despite other shortcomings, deserves some recognition from the Ukrainian government.

Bohdan Nehaniv
Troy, Mich.

| Home Page |