Gerhard Schroeder will be the first German Chancellor to attend Poland's commemorations of the Warsaw uprising.
Poland's Prime Minister, Marek Belka, is keen for the German Chancellor to dispel the "bad atmosphere" between their two countries on the 60th anniversary of the uprising.
The Warsaw uprising against their Nazi occupiers lasted for 63 days and resulted in the deaths of about 200,000 Poles and the total destruction of the city.
The Polish resistance believed that Russia, US and UK would provide assistance but very little help arrived.
Mr Belka has also said that the Polish people would welcome an apology from Britain for not doing enough to assist the Warsaw uprising.
How should the wounds over the Warsaw uprising be healed? Are Germany and Poland good neighbours now? And should the UK apologise? Send us your views.
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
I firmly believe that the practice of apologising for what has happened in history is stuff and nonsense. That said if Mr Belka wants an apology he should be looking east to Moscow, who not only stood back in 1944, but also invaded Poland with the Germans in the first place in 1939. It is a well known fact that Stalin refused to allow the British to use airfields in the area. In any case a heavy airlift would have been impossible and we were otherwise engaged in Normandy, Italy, Burma, the North Atlantic and over the skies of Germany.
Major (Retired) Chris Klein, Winchester, England
One of the reasons Britain joined the war was because of the Nazi invasion of Poland. Saying that Britain did not do enough to help fails to consider that their forces were heavily stretched on many fronts fighting for the liberation of Europe.
Paul, England
I attended the final ceremonies in Warsaw yesterday and found the atmosphere incredibly positive, looking both backwards to the events of the time and forwards to a peaceful Europe. It has to be said that Schroeder's speech was well received by the Polish public. Unfortunately, Colin Powell's and John Prescott's speeches were embarrassingly full of the usual platitudes. It would have been enough if they had said: "We are sorry, but our governments could and should have done more at the time". Power politics dominated then and now. It was highly noticeable that not a single Russian (soviet?) politician turned up, though they, including Putin, were invited. A pity... A major case of having a guilty conscience?
Michael, Warsaw, Poland
Polish people do not need any apologies. We merely ask you to know the history. As for Warsaw uprising - I recommend a book "Rising 44" by Norman Davies.
Robert, Warsaw, Poland
I am Russian. My grandfather was killed in Poland during Great Patriotic War (that's what we call WWII in Russia). He was a Soviet officer. My mother's brother died from lack of good food and medical service during the war at the age of 9-months. My father and his family were forced to eat wood during one of the winters of the war. My father was 3-years-old at that time. Still I am alive. I am very proud of my people (in fact millions of them) who stood it up and gave us (me personally) life. I don't think we as a nation have to apologize for something which was done during the war.
Elena, Moscow, Russia
I am proud to have a Polish Paratrooper Grandfather. The failure of the Warsaw uprising was due to Stalin's policy of refusing to help as he wanted the anti-Communist Polish Home Army to be destroyed. Roosevelt's reluctance to go against the wishes of the Soviet Union meant that Britain's real crime was to be unwilling to go out on a limb and do what was right. Instead limited supply drops were made when what was needed was professional soldiers on the ground. Had Churchill opted to drop the Polish Parachute Brigade on Warsaw then they may well have been decimated but at least they would have died fighting for their homeland. Instead they were held back only to die in large numbers a few weeks later, standing loyally by the British, yet again, at Arnhem. Without the Poles we may well not have survived past 1940. The Polish people are due our eternal respect and they do deserve an apology from Britain and the US. Unfortunately they won't get one.
Michael Karpowski, Nottingham
I am amazed how little British people know about what went on in Poland. It is a disgrace that the British did not allow the Poles in the Allied forces to be sent to support Warsaw. More people died in Warsaw alone than all US deaths in WW2! Poland is only now completing its rebuilding as the USA and the UK allowed Stalin to capture half of the country (what was eastern Poland including Lvov) and then to control the rest of the country. We should wake up to this so that we do not repeat these kinds of mistakes. My grandparents were imprisoned by the Soviets for fighting for their country. I will not let their sacrifices be forgotten or downgraded by British people who do not know the suffering that they went through. I am very lucky to be British - but I will not allow people to forget that Poland was invaded and was the victim in the war.
Sonia, UK
Given that we went to war in the first place over the freedom of Poland - then practically ignored it for over forty years as it was ruled by the Nazis and the communists, we should apologise - after all it doesn't cost anything and it would mean a lot to the Poles.
Simon O'Brien, UK
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The first step would be to recognize the Polish sacrifices and contribution to the Allies' victory
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I think 1944 Warsaw uprising is often mistaken with the Warsaw Jewish Ghetto revolt that happened the previous year. The first step would be to recognize the Polish sacrifices and contribution to the Allies' victory. The wounds created by two great conflicts in just half a century cannot be easily healed but we can forgive and the EU will help build a peaceful Europe that already had suffered too much.
Sebastien, UK
The Allies left Poland dead and dry, for the Soviets to impose their brutal regime. For this Poland will never forget!
Tomek, Australia
The lack of factual knowledge displayed by 90% of these comments, and Mr Belka, is staggering. Read a few books, from all sides, then form an opinion - it may just enlighten you.
Lee, Hebburn, England
It is not like the British were all sat at home watching cricket. There was a war on, which they were rather heavily involved in.
Paula, Belgium (UK)
Germany needs to do more to atone for past crimes and aggression committed against the Polish nation. There still exists a significant level of mistrust and suspicion among many Poles regarding Germany's intentions regarding the former German territories in Poland. However, Schroeder's overtures are a good start.
Ray Doherty, Waitsfield, Vermont, USA
Poland was not a forgotten ally until the end of WW2. Now it is just last chance to thank them - not all Poles, but a few that passed through war and post-war atrocities - and take over their ideas for the use of EU solidarity.
Andrzej, Gdansk, Poland
I think as a Pole that we cannot demand apologies from British people. What we must demand from all nations is recognising the Poles' credits in defeating fascism and communism. Be objective and the rest will come. The bravery and sacrifice of Polish soldiers during WWII were not in vain and for the living the best way to pay homage them is to work hard to forge Poland's success in EU.
Henryk, Sopot, Poland
What could either the US or UK have done? Airlifting troops would only have been to send them to certain death against heavy armour. Russia could have done something but it had alternative plans for Eastern Europe and a Polish uprising resulting in a strong Polish nation was at odds with those plans. It's time to stop apologising for events in WWII and to look forward: there are enough events in the present-day World for which apologies or recompense are due without continually digging up the past.
John M, Lyne Meads, UK
Poland was let down in a huge way during and after WW2. What makes it worse for third generation Poles such as myself is constantly hearing how Britain 'won the war' seemingly single handed. As for the comments which suggest letting bygones be bygones, I recall protests by British World War 2 veterans when the Japanese minister visited the UK. I have no chip on my shoulder and am passionately English, but some remarks have incensed me a little.
Adam Korol, Burnley
Juliet Dunlop's video report that suggests that the Allies did not help the uprising is inaccurate and an insult to the trials of Commonwealth airmen who flew long dangerous missions to re-supply Warsaw. The accompanying article does not make it clear that far more would have come had the Soviets provided airbases for the missions, even allowing for the state of their forces after the massive 22 June offensive. The UK does not need to apologise for the sacrifices made - it's perhaps unlikely that Russia will apologise for allowing the Germans to do their work for them.
David, London, UK
To put this into context: D-Day had only been 8 weeks previously. We had committed pretty near everything we had in a desperate and dangerous attempt to establish a bridgehead in mainland Europe. We were already stretched thin so when the Polish Government (secretly) ordered the uprising we were not in the position to support it adequately. Even so the RAF and the Polish Air Force were sent to fly 223 sorties during which 23 aircraft were lost. Churchill was well aware of Stalin's expansionist tendencies and on several occasions he overcommitted our troops in order to provide a "neutral" force between the US and Russian forces.
We could have done more, yes, but we risked having Stalin turn on us - and we would have been fighting that one without the support of the US manufacturing base which, by then, we so sorely needed. Like the valiant Polish people we did our best with a bad situation.
Mike Allum, Andover, England
Of course the UK has to apologise, in the current 21st century overuse (abuse?) of political correctness and national doubt and self-hate we are consistently badgered, browbeaten and brainwashed into believing we are responsible for everything wrong in the world.
Rory, Manchester
I read some of the comments and I am appalled at what I see. Nobody mentions anywhere that the leaders of the uprising lead their people deliberately to death for no good reason. They were told by Zhukov's command that that there is no way on earth for the army to take Warsaw without re-supplying, regrouping and protecting its right flank from the Eastern Prussia German group of armies first. They lied to the Soviet and the allied command that that they possess significant resources while in fact they had all in all 2500 infantry weapons. And now they want an excuse. Excuse me, but what exactly should the allied command (British and Soviet) be excused for?
Anton Ivanov, UK, Cambridge
What is it with the modern world that we have to have someone to blame, someone to apologise? No the UK should not apologise; we were prevented from helping by Stalin, Germany has already apologised - how long do the countries of Europe (or the rest of the world for that matter) have to apologise for the sins of their fathers?
John, UK
Britain can't apologise for a decision that was made 60 years ago by politicians who are no longer alive, any more than Mongolia can apologise for Europe's invasion by Genghis Khan. It's just a stupid suggestion.
Albert, UK
Many comments suggest that 60 years is a long time and Poland should have mellowed over the uprising and the levelling of Warsaw. These views do not understand that major reconstruction of the Old Town took until recently to complete and that the blocks of giant apartments still attest to the destruction. The Uprising remains part of daily life in Warsaw.
Mike K, Pa, USA
Those who did not die in the rising had Stalin's camps awaiting them. All while the UK was agreeing new post war borders for Poland without consulting Poland's government. The UK betrayed Poland whatever the military realities on the ground.
James Scobbie, Scotland
While I recognize the heroic effort of the Polish people during WWII, pouring so much dirt on "Russia" (Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia?), which, incidentally, lost millions of its own people in its fight against fascism, is just disrespectful and uncalled for. It's sad that many people's sacrifice has fallen victim to prejudice and stereotypes brought about and cultivated by post-Cold War vindictiveness and frustrations. The wounds will heal if we let them heal instead of pointing fingers and playing blame games.
Vladimir, Donetsk, Ukraine
Why should Britain apologise for not intervening? Warsaw was the other side of Europe. We had thousands of troops, along with many allies including Poles, fighting to get into Germany, fighting up through Italy and fighting in the Far East. How could we have helped; send a bus load of peacekeepers? It was impossible to intervene! Commemorate the Uprising by the brave Poles, remember the atrocities so that such acts cannot be allowed to happen again. Sorry Mr Belka this is just another piece of "opportunism" from an image obsessed politician.
Jim Kirk, Basildon, Essex
From some of the comments here you would have thought that Britain and Russia were the villains of WW2 and not the Nazis. Perhaps the real problem is that the uprising was bungled and that it's leaders misunderstood what level of support to expect and afterwards they found it easier to blame their allies for their own mistakes.
Peter, Nottingham
Small factual note, most historians recognise Churchill's repeated attempts to stand up to Stalin over Poland (and anywhere else)were sunk by Roosevelt, who thought Stalin was a 'man he could do business with' and who suspected British 'imperialism'. Any let down Poles should ask the USA, not the UK for an apology - but don't hold your breath.
Alistair, London UK
Some wounds take a long time to heal, but it is nevertheless admirable that the Germans have seized the opportunity for reconciliation. It is a landmark event that is representative of bright prospects for EU unity.
Prashanth Parameswaran, Malaysia
While 60 years is a long time, Britain should apologize out of guilt at least - 200,000 people is a devastating loss.
Prashanth Parameswaran, Malaysia
The uprising clearly demonstrated that aspirations and hopes of the people are always being ignored by politics. Stalin halted the Red Army to wait for his own hidden agendas and the allies did nor provide any help for their own hidden agendas. Churchill of course had already drawn a map with Stalin as to who has what say in what area that was to become the Soviet Union's cordon sanitaire until 1989 when the USSR collapsed.
WD Krueger, Udonthani, Thailand
We went to war for Poland in 1939, we bankrupted a huge Empire fighting it, we had no way to stop the Nazi's in 1944 in Poland, and we certainly didn't have any way of stopping Russia taking over Poland after the war.
Theo, UK
During the World War II living under the German terror unimaginable for the people from the west Poland being a western ally lost: 25% of its population 39% of doctors 33% of teachers 26% of lawyers 70% of industry 90% of cultural heritage (in Warsaw alone) We do not need apologies (perhaps for the Germans) but we ask you to remember about that
Tom, Warsaw
Apologies are absurd once the leadership of the generation who offended, or not, are dead. Make no exceptions to that rule and you cannot go wrong.
Andrew, London
Poland should celebrate and be very proud of the bravery of their fellow citizens that, against great odds, stood up to the Nazis and fought back with everything they had. France surrendered quickly and yet has no problem throwing annual fancy glittery parades and praising their role in the war. Don't worry about "old wounds", celebrate Poland's brave and noble stand against Nazis. I salute you, Poland.
Alistair Asquith, NJ, US / London, UK
How can the wounds of World War II be counted as "healed" when today the few thousand European Jews left on the Continent are again leaving it to escape resurgent anti-Semitism, as well as the apathy of "good Europeans" who stand by and do nothing to stop it?
Cole, USA
The Polish patriots who died fighting need no phoney apologies from present day politicians. Anyone who reads the history and views the photos knows what happened. The UK WWII conduct was second to none. Everyone present here now should be thankful.
Xtela, USA
I think Poland doesn't need apology. What Poland needs is good memory to trust no allies.
Artur, Krakow, Poland
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We, and other nations, were left under the Soviets for 50 years
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I personally do not think that Poland need any "apology" from the UK but simply recognition of some basic facts: Poland was the first country to oppose both Germany and Soviet Union in 1939. Its contribution to the allies' victory was huge and the Warsaw uprising (when on Hitler's order Warsaw was razed to ground and 150 000 civilians executed) Monte Cassino, Battle of Britain, Normandy are examples of heroic battles polish soldiers fought. Not to mention breaking the Enigma code and delivering it to England or alarming the Allies about Germans' death camps. For all of that we and other nations were left under Soviets for 50years
Tadeusz, Krakow, Poland
Russia seems to get a lot of criticism for the failing to come to the aid of the Warsaw uprising. I have read Russian supreme commander Georgi Zukov's war journal and he said the Red Army had been fighting continuously for six weeks before arriving at the gates of Warsaw and was in need of rest and re-supply. Certainly from the military standpoint an army cannot fight continuously, and changing from open ground to urban warfare requires a different mix of weapons and tactics; tanks are especially vulnerable in city streets. Perhaps the political leadership of the Polish resistance should have co-ordinated with Russians, rather than trying to go it alone.
Douglas Helmson, Glasgow
Poland seem to be the forgotten ally of WW2. They fought alongside the RAF and at Monte Cassino after their own country had been lost to the Germans. They lost over 120,000 troops that fought with the allies and another 60,000 men in the first 17 days of the German/Russian invasion of their own country. I feel they were woefully betrayed by the allies. In particular the USA and Russia. I don't really think Churchill had a choice when Poland was tossed away to the Soviets at the end of the war. It's good to see some form of reconciliation between Poland and Germany after 60 years though.
Richard Forbes, Warwickshire
The UK has always been treated by the Poles as a good ally and good friend. We had and still have strong and long relationship that I'm sure will be strengthened further in the years to come. During the Warsaw uprising Poland was let down by lack of confidence on the side of Britain and by the non-action. I think this is the main thing that hurts Poles today. If a Britain feels themselves as an ally of Poland, then they should apologise...if not, let's forget it.
Pawel, London
No matter what we do, no matter how much we help, somebody always has to kick us in the teeth.
Robert Sutton, Halifax, England
It is commendable and noble to see Gerhard Schroeder and Collin Powell attend the Uprising's 60th Anniversary. It is deplorable and shameful not to see Vladimir Putin attend. The wounds will not heal until the Soviet Government admits to deliberately withholding assistance to the insurgents.
Paul Balcer, Herndon, VA
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Move on, never forget, but don't dwell
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60 years, don't you think it's about time we let bygones be bygones? The people that made the orders at the top are long dead, move on, never forget, but don't dwell
Paul Weaver, London, UK
After all these years thanks God many feelings has changed in Europe. The nightmares and evil spirits of those times are only memories now. There's no reason for Poland and Germany not to be good neighbours. Let's allow healing to work. As to Britain's apologies, they're no longer necessary.
Mazurek, Brazil
Of course not! The British are continually told that this is all in the past and that we are now part of a United Europe. Germans no longer feel guilty about what they did and I fail to see why we should either. Perhaps an apology from Germany would be more appropriate?
Mark S, UK
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I felt totally ashamed at how we made promises and then abandoned them so quickly
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As a an Englishman at that time I felt totally ashamed at how we made promises and then abandoned them so quickly. I realize it was virtually impossible to realistically intervene but then don't falsely encourage. To compound matters never since then has any British leader had the courage or decency to apologise or offer reparations. Tony Blair should do both immediately, and apologise for the delay too.
Jim Nicholls, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
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