Estonia

 

Józef Piłsudski was a strong proponent of independence for Estonia as he saw it as an ally in countering the aggressive actions of Soviet Russia (and subsequently of the USSR) and of Germany. With this aim in mind Poland and Estonia sought to create a Baltic Union including the other countries in the region, but this did not come to fruition. Despite this, co-operation between Poland and Estonia developed in a very positive fashion extending to the political, diplomatic, economic and military spheres.

 

The person on the Estonian side who merits particular mention for developing friendly relations was General Johan Laidoner, an outstanding military leader who was victorious in the war with the Bolsheviks in 1919. General Laidoner consistently advocated closer co-operation and an alliance with Poland. He thought that since the USSR posed a threat Estonia ought to make an ally of Poland. Commemorative plaques were unveiled in Tallin in 2011 and in Sulejówek in 2013 at ceremonies attended by top-level government representatives from Estonia and Poland: the one in Tallin commemorates Marshal Piłsudski and the one in Sulejówek commemorates General Laidoner.

See also