[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         COL. RYSZARD KUKLINSKI

 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.

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