Barney,
One reason that I read about from a personal book written by one of the
refugees is that many did not have any money, or any items to trade in order
to be taken out of Russia on sleds during the winter or spring months.
Some got money or items to trade through the mail from families back in
Poland or other countries. Those that were lucky and received some mail
during their stay were able to pay for their trip out of that God forsaken
place.
Even those that were able to pay died along the way or were separated along
the way. Many died for lack of food during a 3-4 week trip on the train to
Iran. Some were separated and put into slave camps in other countries.
I have received and read a few books written by Polish refugees that were in
Santa Rosa. Each personal tragedy was beyond belief. Each person survived
with faith in God and personal will. Many lost most if not all of their
families. None lost hope.
I would guess that none choose to stay in Russia from their own free will.
Julek
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-----Original Message-----
From: berndd11222 [mailto:berndd11222@...]
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 9:40 AM
To: Kresy-Siberia@...
Subject: [Kresy-Siberia] Those that got left behind
Not all Poles in the USSR left during the organized transfer of
1944-1947. 1.5 Million went back to Poland but about 700,000 stayed
on in the USSR. The Soviet census of 1959 confirms their survival.
Can anybody in the group offer some insight for the reasons why
some were left behind. Were they refused permission to leave by
local officials? or did they voluntarily stay in the USSR? Maybe
they were never told of the transfer option?
Barney Dombrowski
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