W senacie USA

[Page: S9982]

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the work of an unsung hero, a man whose unparalleled sense of duty to a free and democratic Poland contributed immeasurably not only to that country's freedom from Soviet domination but also to the security of the United States. I refer to Col. Ryszard Kuklinski.

You see, during the height of the cold war, when NATO and Soviet-led Warsaw Pact forces confronted each other in a divided Europe, Colonel Kuklinski risked his life to help free Poland from foreign oppression.

This risk came in the form of over 35,000 pages of secret military documents he turned over to the United States Government, documents that detailed Soviet operational plans for surprise attacks on Western Europe, scenarios for a nuclear launch, specifications for more than 200 advanced Soviet weapons systems, and details of Soviet plans to impose Marshal law on Poland. His information was an invaluable asset to the West, and contributed immensely to the alliance's success in deterring Soviet aggression in Europe.

Colonel Kuklinski asked for nothing in return for his information. Instead, he was forced to flee his country with his family when his actions were discovered by Soviet authorities sometime in 1981.

After the Warsaw Pact realized what had happened after his departure from Poland, Colonel Kuklinski was issued in absentia a death sentence by a military tribunal.

On Monday, the Polish Government--the government of a free and democratic Poland--took the step of dropping espionage charges against this hero and formally recognized that his actions served the highest interests of Poland. I commend the Polish Government and its military for taking this much needed step.

I decided to raise the heroic story of Colonel Kuklinski for two reasons. First, to thank him and to express my admiration for the sacrifices he made for a free and democratic Poland. Second, as the Senate will soon be considering Poland's application for NATO membership, it is important to remember that Poland is not a former foe, but was once a captive nation whose people were ready to risk anything in order for their country to be free and to be full member of the transatlantic community of democracies.