Political Role of Closest Associates of J. Piłsudski

Abstract

The position in Sanacja hierarchy was not established by political qualifications or experience, but by the attitude of Józef Piłsudski towards a given person and how frequently a given person contacted him. The position of Piłsudski was never threatened. The combat fought inside the political team was never fought against the Marshal but it was fought to gain his trust whish was the indicator of the prestige. Walery Sławek, Bolesław Wieniawa-Długoszowski and Józef Beck were the closest associates of Piłsudski. The first two enjoyed the unlimited trust of the Commander and were allowed to come to Belweder any time they decided necessary. Józef Beck was summoned only in matters connected with international politics. The paths of their carriers in post May system were different. Wieniawa never officially dealt with politics, Sławek from one of the most important functions in the country ended in political margin and Beck continuously aimed at gaining high position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Biographies of the closest associates of Piásudski and memoirs of diplomats were very valuable for writing this paper. They presented political activities and values of politicians and how they influenced the developments of their careers.