War and Diplomacy in East and West

M. B. B. Biskupski holds the S. A. Blejwas Endowed Chair in Polish History at Central Connecticut State University, USA.

"Finally, we’ve lived to see a reliable and comprehensive work on the life and activities of Joseph Retinger – a Polish politician with incredible connections and influence in the Western world, the Godfather of the European Union, founder of the Bilderberg Group, and author of many initiatives of international importance that shaped the political image of the world in the twentieth century. The author of this book made use of a broad base of sources, including sources not presented so far, which shed new light on the activities of this extremely interesting character. The work of Biskupski has high scientific value and the efficient narrative makes pleasant reading."Andrzej Pieczewski, University of Lodz, Poland"The mystery of Europe's notorious éminence grise is finally unveiled in a fascinating deconstruction of the myth of Joseph H. Retinger, international agent of Polish origin. Did Retinger really influence the results of both world wars, revolution in Mexico and the creation of the European Union? Was he a Jesuit, free-mason or Soviet spy? Biskupski’s brilliant life’s work provides the thoroughly documented answers."Władysław Bułhak, specialist in the field of intelligence studies, Warsaw, Poland"Józef Retinger was a key figure in the Polish government-in-exile during the Second World War, often referred to as General Sikorski’s eminence grise. His political career, before the war, in this government and as one of the founders of the movement for European integration has been the subject of much speculation and mystification. This well-researched and highly readable biography provides a definitive account of his political career and is essential reading for all interested in the history of World War II and of the post-war years." Antony Polonsky, Emeritus professor of Holocaust Studies, Brandeis University and Chief historian, POLIN museum of the history of Polish Jews, Warsaw, Poland"This is a detailed study for experts on Polish and European diplomacy."Sheldon Anderson, Miami University, Ohio

• PrefaceIntroduction1 The Formative Years, 1888-19142 The World War, 1914-19183 From Europe to Mexico4 "I got religion"5 The War Begins6 First Steps towards Federation: the Czech Frustration7 A Wider Federation8 Retinger and Polish-Soviet Relations9 The Collapse of Poland’s International Position10 Retinger’s Most Controversial Episode: the Mission to Poland, 194411 "In twenty years Europe will be united, together with Poland." Retinger and the Federal Movement in European History12 Retinger and the Building of a United Europe13 The Congress of Europe, 194814 The Bilderbergs15 ConclusionsBibliography