Poland has a special place in British history and in British hearts. My generation will never forget that Poland was Britain's ally from first to last in the Second World War. Polish squadrons flew with ours in the Battle of Britain. Polish soldiers fought with ours at Monte Cassino in Italy. Polish sailors died with ours to keep open the Atlantic lifeline from America.
Now, again, we are inspired by the people of Poland. Their longing and their struggle for freedom have kindled new hope in their country and all over Eastern Europe. More than that, they have reminded us in the West of the precious quality of our own freedom. They who know what it is like to live without it.
Their brave struggle warms our hearts. But it has sent a chill of fear through those who seek to hold men in tyranny.
The age old lesson of history is that the human spirit will not live in chains.
In Poland today the flame of freedom may seem to burn less brightly. But it has not been extinguished, nor can it be. Sooner or later the oppressors will understand that they cannot impose their will upon men and women who ask only that Poland may truly represent the indomitable spirit of the Polish people.