Why did Japan refuse Poland's declaration of war in WW2? (Short Animated Documentary)

Summary

During WWII, Poland's government in exile declared war on Japan, but Japan refused to accept the declaration, citing Poland's lack of autonomy and British influence. Despite their alliance with Germany, Japan privately supported Poland and continued espionage against the USSR. Japan accepted declarations of war from other nations due to their proximity and potential threat. After the war, Poland was not recognized at Japan's surrender, and it wasn't until 1957 that Japan acknowledged the communist rule in Poland, effectively ending a non-war that never officially existed.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Poland's government in exile declared war on Japan during WWII, but Japan refused to accept it as valid.
• 🤝 Interwar period saw good relations between Japan and Poland, mainly due to their mutual dislike of the Soviet Union.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Both nations cooperated in espionage within the USSR, with Japanese listening stations in Poland and Polish spies aided by Manchukuo.
• 🔄 Despite Japan's alliance with Germany in WWII, they disapproved of Germany's conquest of Poland, partly due to their close ties with Poland and the USSR's involvement.
• 🗣️ Japan publicly remained silent about Poland's destruction but privately supported the Polish government in London.
• 🔄 When Poland declared war on Japan, Japan's response was to deny the declaration, citing Poland's lack of freedom and influence by the British and Americans.
• 🌐 Geographical proximity played a role in Japan accepting declarations of war from other nations but not from Poland, which was far away.
• 🛡️ Japan wanted to continue espionage cooperation with Poland against the USSR and did not want to upset their German allies by acknowledging Poland's existence.
• 🏳️ After the war, Poland was not present at Japan's surrender ceremony due to Western allies ceasing to recognize the Polish government in exile.
• 🇯🇵 Normal relations between Japan and the Allies were restored in 1951, but Poland's representation was by the communist People's Republic, which Japan did not favor.
• 't=🕊️ Formal relations between Japan and Poland were not established until 1957, when Japan acknowledged the communist rule in Poland.

Q & A

Why did Japan refuse to acknowledge Poland's declaration of war during World War II?

Japan refused to acknowledge Poland's declaration of war because they saw the Polish government in exile as a client of the British and under pressure from the Americans, not free to make independent decisions.

What was the relationship between Japan and Poland during the interwar period?

During the interwar period, Japan and Poland had very good relations due to their mutual dislike of the Soviet Union, and they cooperated deeply in conducting espionage within the USSR.

How did Japan's alliance with Germany during World War II affect their relationship with Poland?

Japan's alliance with Germany, who conquered Poland, deeply disapproved by the Japanese, affected their relationship with Poland as they viewed the USSR as their greatest threat and did not want to upset their German allies.

Why did Japan accept declarations of war from countries like Australia, New Zealand, India, and Canada but not from Poland?

Japan accepted declarations of war from countries that were geographically closer and could potentially project forces near Japan, unlike Poland which was half a world away and unable to do anything.

What was Japan's justification for not being at war with Poland?

Japan justified not being at war with Poland by stating that the Polish government in exile was not free to act on its own and was influenced by the British and Americans.

How did Japan's relationship with the USSR influence their decision to ignore Poland's declaration of war?

Japan wished to continue working with Poland to spy on the USSR, and acknowledging the declaration of war would also mean acknowledging that Poland still existed, which they did not want to do to avoid upsetting their German allies.

What happened after Japan ignored Poland's declaration of war?

Nothing significant happened as Poland had more pressing issues closer to home, and Japan's surrender to the allies did not include Poland due to negotiations with the USSR.

Why was Poland not present at the ceremony when Japan surrendered to the allies?

Poland was not present because during negotiations with the USSR, the Western allies had agreed to stop recognizing the Polish government in exile as legitimate.

When did Japan and Poland establish formal relations after World War II?

Japan and Poland established formal relations in 1957 when Japan acknowledged the communist rule in Poland as legitimate.

What was the significance of Japan acknowledging communist rule in Poland in 1957?

The acknowledgment signified a sort of peace between the two countries, despite not having been officially at war, and allowed for the restoration of normal relations.