Poles not so Extreme

The session of the Central Committee of the Polish Party, which was decisive for the further development of Poland, and the reinstatement of Gomulka as Party Secretary in October 1956 both represent the climax of many years efforts towards liberalising political and economic life in the country. The demands for an economic reorganisation and a discussion of the pros and cons of the Marxist ideology were initiated (as in Hungary) primarily by a group of young intellectuals who had flecked round "Pro Postu," the organ of the students and the, young intelligence. They were encouraged to criticise the faults of the Stalinist era and to work for the advancement of the "Revolutionary Movement" by the changes in the personnel of the government and the party. The Polish student body, which had always enjoyed a relatively large degree of independence' gave Gomulka's new course open approval while the student press did not hesitate to use its powerful voice and openly criticise certain conditions.

A major issue discussed was the problem raised by the forced "Over Production" of poorly trained personnel, which had been taking place since 1945 to provide the technicians required for the post-war economic development. The result has been that a growing number of graduates have had to accept positions unworthy of their education, while many posts are held by unqualified technicians and engineers. To remedy the situation the entire teaching system and the curriculum would have to be changed.

In their constructive criticism of such conditions, in their interest in the Western world and ideological controversy, the youth of Poland have played an important role in the struggle for a sensible liberation: and, moreover, influenced students in the other people's democracies. (According to "Po prostu" "Wyboje," "Nasza vczelina" as reported by Student Mirror no. 125)

Little Jack Horner
Sits in a corner
Extracting cube roots to infinity—
An assignment for boys
That will minimize noise
And produce a more peaceful vicinity.