STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR MOSBACHER
ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
In January 1919, the Republic of Poland and the United States of America established diplomatic relations. The first U.S. envoy to Poland, Hugh Gibson, presented his credentials to the newly installed Chief of State of Poland, Jozef Pilsudski, four months later on May 2, 1919. The first Polish ambassador to the United States, Prince Kazimierz Lubomirski, presented his credentials to United States President Woodrow Wilson on May 15, 1920.
This is a time to reflect on the heroic contributions of the Polish statesman Ignacy Jan Paderewski and the American Presidential adviser Colonel Edward House, without whom Polish re-independence may not have happened. Those relationships and the bonds forged between the United States and Poland during the years following Poland’s rebirth still serve as an inspiration to us all.
As we now mark our 100 years of diplomatic relations this year, we are confident that our friendship and shared democratic values will endure for another century and beyond. I urge all Poles and Americans to join in this common celebration of the alliance and friendship between our two great nations.
