Document No. 57
Minutes No. 64
from an expanded meeting of the PZPR CC Secretariat of
held on June 5, 1989
S e c r e t
Comrades present: W. Jaruzelski, J. Czyrek, W. Baka, S. Ciosek, Z.
Michalek, M. Orzechowski, Z. Czarzasty, L. Miller, M. Stepien , B.
Kolodziejczak.
Asent com. K. Cypryniak.
Invited:
Com. M.F. Rakowski – Politburo member, Prime Minister
Com. K. Barcikowski – Politburo member, Deputy Chairman of the
Council of State
Com. Cz. Kiszczak – Politburo member, minister of internal affairs
Com. A. Miodowicz – Politburo member, Chairman of OPZZ (Trade
Unions)
Com. J. Reykowski – Politburo Member
Com. F. Siwicki – Politburo member – minister of national defense
Com. J. Kubasiewicz – associate Politburo member, first secretary
of the Warsaw PZPR
Committee
Com. Z. Sobotka – associate Politburo member
Com. I. Sekula – Deputy Prime Minister
Com. A. Gdula – division chief, secretary of the Law and Order
Commission
Com. M. Lubczynski – division chief, secretary of the Commission
of Party Work
Com. E. Szymanski – division chief, secretary of the Commission
of Representative
Bodies
Com. A. Kwasniewski – minister, chairman of the Social-Political
Committee of
The Council of Ministers
Com. J. Urban – minister, president of the Radion Committee
Com. J. Bisztyga – press spokesman of the CC PZPR
The Agenda:
An exchange of views on the first round of elections to the Sejm and
Senate.
Com. W. Jaruzelski stated at the beginning that the election
results are very bad for the coalition. What should be done right away
in the nearest days?
- in today’s TV newscast a statement preceding the official
election results- decide who will speak;
- today a meeting with the allies;
- on June 6 hold a Politburo meeting and a conference with first
secretaries of the Voivodship Committees;
- consider different dates for a CC meeting (in an extraordinary
procedure before June 18, after June 18), take decision at the
Politburo, set dates for consultations with CC members;
- get in touch and hold talks with the Church hierarchy, consider
a meeting with primate J. Glemp. The Church is the major culprit
in the situation that has arisen;
- hold informational meetings with the Ambassadors accredited to
Warsaw;
- consider the advisability of going ahead or postponing the
planned visits of the chairman of the Council of State in London
and Brussels and President Mitterrand’s visit to Poland.
Com. Czarzasty said the analysis of the election shows that they
had had the character of a plebiscite, a referendum, which we had not
been assuming. So far full results of voting for the national list are
not available.
The Voivodship committees are signaling that the clergy, particularly
on election day, were calling to vote for "S". Youth
participation in the election was very small.
Com. J. Czyrek assessed that electoral assumptions could not
be met. The personal formula turned out to be ineffective. The result
has been decided in the first round. The opposition is not interested in
the second round. Forecasts of election turnouts also were not on
target. The coalition side, the party itself has proven ineffective in
its campaigning and propaganda effort. The majority of voters had
decided earlier who to vote for.
Now the most important thing is to master moods in the party and in
the whole coalition. The allies are uneasy, "Solidarity" has
already shown support for some of their candidates and it can still do
it in the second round.
Establish urgently contacts with the Church, but also with the
leadership of the opposition (decide on the forms and levels). Hold
urgently a meeting of the Commission on Understanding.
Realize visits in London and Belgium, but postpone Mitterrand’s
visit to our country.
Com. S. Ciosek – Today someone from the leadership or com.
Urban should appear on TV. He is signaling a mood of depression among
the engaged journalists.
Com. Cz. Kiszczak – The adversary has been fighting acutely
from beginning to the end, using different means. We have been acting
with "white gloves", without taking advantage of even obvious
opportunities. Election results have exceeded the opposition’s
expectations. They are shocked, don’t know how to behave. Elections to
the Senate are a total disaster for us. The general had warned, we were
saying that 65% of mandates in the Sejm would not provide sufficient
protection for the coalition, as it is known that "S" stands
behind some of our candidates (e.g. Fiszbach in Gdansk). This is true
not only of party members, but also SD and ZSL members. This needs to be
taken into consideration.
Com. Kiszczak acknowledged that the visits planned earlier should be
realized.
Com. F. Siwicki explained that in all closed military
districts the military (not the staff) had voted on the average 52-62%
for the national list. Com. Kiszczak added that similar indicators, or
even higher, up to 70-72% was true of the on-the-Vistula units, WOP and
ZOMO.
Com. J. Urban was of the opinion that there should be a
statement on the TV news of a commentary nature and not a communiquJ
from the Secretariat meeting, which can be given separately. The
statement should emphasize that independently of the results we are for
accepting a broad reform coalition, that all extreme attempts would be
dangerous.
Geremek stated at a press conference that they are not interested in
a coalition with the present system of government.
Com. J. Czyrek – A statement on TV should be agreed on with
the allies and made on behalf of the coalition. Com. Reykowski shared
this point of view. He thought that in that statement it should be
pointed out that: the elections were democratic in preparation and
implementation. Our electorate amounts to about 30%, which proves that
we are not altogether in isolation. Warn the opposition against the
possibility of destabilization under the influence of success.
Com. W. Baka proposed to emphasize in the statement that we
had taken into account the unfavorable result. We are consistent, we
have no other alternative. Warn against attempts at destabilization,
pointing at the situation in China.
Hold the XIII CC plenary meeting at the turn of June and July and
present there the party’s strategy.
Com. W. Jaruzelski – Urgently prepare who is going to appear
on TV today. Perhaps spokesmen of PZPR, ZSL and SD. Perhaps com. Urban
or com. Reykowski.
Com. A. Kwasniewski emphasized that a matter extremely
important after announcing the election results is to prevent
spontaneous demonstrations, which neither side might be able to control.
The opposition is also afraid of this. Get in touch with "S",
so that any appearances should have peaceful character, without
triumphalism.
Com. J. Urban proposed that com. Kiszczak should appear on TV
as a host of the "round table".
Com. Kiszczak suggested that com. Urban might appear, that on
this matter it’s appropriate to consult with Onyszkiewicz.
Com. M.F. Rakowski – Com. Kwasniewski might also appear as
chairman of the Socio-Political Committee of the Council of Ministers,
or com. J. Bisztyga as a press spokesman of the CC PZPR.
Com. A. Gdula – It’s enough if com. Bisztyga appears. He
informed that Kuron in telephone conversation had expressed concern
about the central list. He mentioned that it would be advisable to
convene the Commission on Understanding. He stressed the necessity to
secure peace.
Com. W. Jaruzelski – We don’t know how the
"Solidarity" base will behave. Consider a simultaneous speech
by spokesmen for the PZPR, ZSL and SD.
Com. K. Barcikowski thinks that from the "S" side
there will be high-level spokesmen, so he proposes com. Kwasniewski or
Urban from our side.
Com. J. Bisztyga – We can propose to Onyszkiewicz to appear
with me, or with the participation of spokesmen for the ZSL and SD.
Com. Cz. Kiszczak – Present them with three variants: com.
Kwasniewski, com. Urban or com. Bisztyga with colleagues from the
coalition.
Com. Kwasniewski thought that if from the "S" side
will come up Onyszkiewicz, then from our side J. Bisztyga should appear.
The most important matter are talks with "S" on joint efforts
to prevent loosen public feelings to the extent that neither side will
be able to control. Let’s not disregard the moods in small centers, in
very modern plants.
He thought it advisable to hold urgently a meeting of the Prime
Minister with the chief of "Solidarity".
Com. Z. Sobotka – He favors a TV appearance by com.
Kwasniewski.
Com. J. Bisztyga – Some youth groups may behave like after a
victorious match. No appearance is going to silence euphoria. It would
be good if com. Kwasniewski would appear.
Com. S. Ciosek – It would be best if Bisztyga and
Onyszkiewicz would appear simultaneously. Inform our allies of this and
obtain their authorization.
Com. M.F. Rakowski recognized that a plenary meeting should be
called for urgently, still this week. Election results and in particular
the results of voting for the national list will hit the party strongly.
Consider how we are going to react to the loss of the party and state
leadership. What may be the consequences of this defeat?
Talks with the opposition are necessary. My meeting with Walesa
should be considered. Geremek is talking about a change in the system of
exercising power.
Com. J. Reykowski – Absolutely hold a talk of the party
leadership with the OPZZ. Geremek mentioned in a conversation they would
be willing to enter into the Presidential Council with people from the
national list (he said so before the elections). If it is possible from
the legal point of view, negotiate with the opposition to turn to the
Supreme Court for the introduction of an amendment to the electoral law,
which would enable candidates from the national list to run in the
second round.
Com. J. Kubasiewicz – Hold talks with the opposition on the
national list. Take into consideration that in the second round the
opposition may support some candidates from our mandates.
Com. J. Czyrek – It has been considered with Kuron how to
resolve the situation if candidates from the national list won’t get
elected. Then, based on a legal act, those 35 candidates would run again
within that 65% pool.
Com. K. Barcikowski - The main argument is a political
agreement on the distribution of mandates. There is no possibility of
repeating the national list in the second round, because, if they fail
once again, it’s going to be a total discredit.
Com. A. Kwasniewski – Repetition of the national list in the
second round is unacceptable. It was crossed out also by our people.
There is no guarantee it would pass [the second time]. We need to agree
with the opposition that within the 65% pool we will transfer one
mandate to each electoral district. This is the only chance. The
national list has been a mistake and it should not be repeated. An
important matter is to conduct an analysis on who are those who didn’t
participate in the elections and by what motives they were guided. Is it
a passive resistance? It’s well known that also party members were
crossing out our candidates.
The plenary meeting should be called in fast. Consider convening a
party congress.
Com. Cz. Kiszczak – An important and urgent matter is to
ensure attendance in the second round. Hold the plenary meeting later.
Com. J. Kubasiewicz – In the first place hold consultations
with CC members, then the plenum.
Com. A. Gdula – Hold consultations with CC members very soon
and the plenary meeting towards the end of the month. Present at it a
penetrating assessment of the domestic situation and motions for the
party work.
There is little we can do about the national list. We cannot annul
the elections. It is possible for the new Sejm to adopt an amendment to
the electoral law and hold new elections, or issue a statement that the
Sejm has 425 deputies. Also examine whether it might be possible to make
a new distribution of mandates on the basis of an understanding between
the parties.
Com. L. Miller expressed anxiety over the condition of the
party. Part of it didn’t support their own candidates. In the second
round attendance may be weak. Also our trade unions and social
organizations didn’t support us. We have to keep in mind that as
triumphalism of the opposition rises, frustration in the party will be
rising too. Any effort which we put into the campaign is disproportional
to the results.
Com. J. Urban – Don’t renew the national list as we would
ridicule ourselves before our own base. Negotiate with the opposition
over supplemental elections and the composition of the Sejm defined in
the Constitution. The opposition should accept this proposal. Start
these talks right away. An example that part of the apparatus (party,
state) voted for "S" are results of voting in Ulan-Bator,
Pyongyang and Tirana. He recognized that meetings of the party
leadership with the military circles, security apparatus and the mass
media are urgently needed to calm down moods and present further
perspectives.
The CC plenum should be held soon despite some risk. Postponing it
would be evidence of paralysis of the party structures, of a crisis.
Election results prove that the party in its present form has outlived
itself. It needs an innovative political, ideological and organizational
concept, otherwise there will be disintegration.
Com. Cz. Kiszczak – We are faced with the campaign to elect
a president. Examine if the plenum can help or hurt us in this. It’s
worth pondering on this, it’s very important.
Com. Z. Michalek – The election result is a crisis of
confidence in us. Initiate talks with the opposition to save the names
on the national list. Hold consultations with CC members fast. Postpone
the plenum. Define the tasks for party members in the second round of
elections. Conduct an assessment of efficiency of the regional apparatus
on the basis of the election campaign.
Com. M. Stepien - Postpone discussion on the reasons for the
present situation to another time. Today the most important question is
to master the moods in the party by direct contacts by the leadership
members. He proposed that the Politburo turns to all party members with
a letter announcing a plenum and a congress.
Com. E. Szymanski – Negotiate with the opposition a legal
procedure which would enable candidates from the national list to run in
the second round of elections.
Com. I. Sekula – The election results prove that the society
wants changes. The party has started the process of changes, but is
conducting them very slowly, not radically. We have not fulfilled
expectations; that is why "S" has won.
Com. Z. Czarzasty – We need to strive for a renewed voting
for the national list, with different names, through a decree by the
Council of State.
At the plenary meeting tell about a congress (towards the year’s
end or March 1990), initiate discussion on a program, statute, the name
of the party, a vision for changes.
Com. A. Kwasniewski – A plenum within a short period is
necessary. Losing the national list is putting the party leadership in a
dramatic situation. Resume urgently negotiations with the opposition
relating to the national list, president, government. Hold talks on
these matters with the Church. Only after negotiating and working out a
position on these major questions set the date for the plenum, talks
about congress.
Com. B. Kolodziejczak – We cannot convene the plenum without
having a position on the president and government, and an assessment of
the situation. If the plenum is going to be prepared as the election
campaign was, its result can be foreseen. We have to draw conclusions
with the mistakes made by us, present to CC members a comprehensive
analysis of the reasons for the situation that has arisen. Talks with
the opposition regarding a president must be conducted reliably.
Com. F. Siwicki – Convene the plenum when we have a thorough
analysis of the reasons [for the defeat] and a concept of the
functioning of the state within a new configuration of political forces.
Resume urgently consultations with the opposition on the selection of
the national list by a simple majority of votes. Start an evaluation of
the situation in the basic cells of the party. Square up with the youth
organizations for their participation in the election campaign, with
conclusions. The most urgent questions are consultations with the
opposition regarding the national list, government, president.
Com. J. Reykowski – The party turned out to be weak. What
has happened is a result of a joint mistake in assessing the situation.
Now the most important thing is the security of the state, president.
Com. Z. Sobotka – Very urgently turn to party members.
Triumphing [sic] by "S" has already started. Soon pressure
will mount for removing the party from the workplaces. Let’s not count
too much on an understanding with the opposition. They have already got
what they wanted and are not interested in the second round. Let’s not
create a plenum without preparations, recently we have not been seeking
their advice on important decisions. Urgently hold consultations with CC
members, and have the plenum at a later date.
Com S. Ciosek – I don’t understand the reasons for the
defeat. The party has to pay for it, it didn’t follow us. It’s a
bitter lesson. Those responsible will have to bear the consequences. Now
the most important question is the election of the president, for which
we need 35 mandates – which were lost. On this we need to talk with
the opposition, as the president is a protection for the whole system,
it’s not only our internal matter, it’s a matter of the whole
socialist commonwealth, even of Europe. On this matter seek urgent talks
with the opposition (Commission for an Understanding) and with the
Church. Guilt is on our side. We trusted the Church, and they have
turned out to be Jesuits. We overestimated our possibilities and have
turned out to be deprived of the base. We have to keep in mind that very
soon various claims and pressures will be rising like an avalanche –
e.g. against the mass media. Radical changes must take place in the
party.
Com. Z. Michalek – What does it mean -- radical changes in
the party?
Com. M.F. Rakowski – We had a false assessment of the
situation. The first secretaries of the Voivodship Committees had
estimated our chances better. And the conclusion is that the perception
of the moods, of what people think, is weak, that theaktiv, the party
are not connected with the masses. We cannot use the thesis that the
party has not backed us up. It’s false. The fact is that the party has
not proved to be a mobile force. There was a lack of awareness that
crossing out of their own people would cause self-destruction.
There is a fear that there may be strikes, wage pressures,
demonstrations, which will complicate the economic situation even more.
One may agree with the notion that the plenum should not be held
right now. But one needs to be aware that the party in its present
structure is not in a position to stand up to current challenges. At the
X plenum of the CC we proposed another model of the party, but this has
not been noticed. And we need to go even further.
Talks with the opposition are necessary. It has proven to be
trustworthy. It has called all along for crossing out the national list.
What has happened in Poland is going to have tremendous impact outside
(USSR, Hungary, other countries). This may lead to upheavals in the
whole camp, this must be driven to social awareness. We need to draw all
conclusions from the fact that considerable part of the society said
"no".
Com. K. Barcikowski – In the analyses point out the reasons
for the relatively low electionturn out. Who are those who have not
voted, by what were they motivated? In part they were also party
members. One of the reasons was the personal formula of the elections.
Do we now have the right to take offense at the party? We have been
managing it for the past 10 years. To whom should we then direct our
claims? The same relates to the youth and social organizations. Examine
this matter quietly, draw conclusions, ponder what to do to regain trust
and how to do it. What to expect from the opposition now? It will make
an assault – at national councils, at territorial self-government.
Seek urgently talks on the question of the 35 mandates, president and
the government. They are also afraid of the power falling apart.
Com. W. Jaruzelski suggested to adopt the following findings:
- on June 6th hold a Politburo meeting, and in the
afternoon a conference with the first secretaries of the
Voivodship Committees and division heads of the CC, jointly with
the Politburo,
- urgently seek talks with the opposition leadership, including a
meeting of the Prime Minister with Walesa,
- urgently hold a meeting of the Commission on an Understanding of
the "round table",
- hold talks with the Church (modo privato), possibly a meeting
with Primate Glemp,
- set the date for the XIII plenum in consultation with the first
secretaries of the Voivodship Committees,
- submit for decision by the Politburo and consultations with the
first secretaries of the Voivodship Committees the matters of
visits to Belgium and England and president Mitterand in Poland,
- send out to all party members a letter of the Politburo (submit
the draft to the first secretaries of the Voivodship Committees).
50% of our party now consists of all sorts of managers and retirees.
Therefore it
must be disquieting that just such a party (clerical) has not shown a
self-protective instinct in the elections. This problem needs to be
worked out in particular, draw conclusions. A considerable portion of
the party is state administration, employees of the justice system –
how to reach them? (staffing quickly vacant positions in the Supreme
Court – com. Gdula). Think what to do to uplift in spirit the people
engaged on our side, working in the mass media, to convince them that
they are not lost. Hold meetings with those groups at the central level
(W. Jaruzelski, M. Rakowski) and in the regions.
Comrades: Reykowski, Stepien , Czarzasty, Tabkowski will prepare
tomorrow a draft letter from the Politburo to party members (encl. No.
1) [Omitted]
Recorded by: Bozena Lopatniuk
S e c r e t
Urgent decisions of the CC PZPR Secretariat
of June 5, 1989