Spotlight on the Global Congress of Intellectuals

 “Children’s Smile – World Peace” is one of the popular slogans of the time. The word “peace” was speculated like a currency, perhaps that is why the Congress of Intellectuals organized in August 1948 had a second name “in Defense of Peace”. 

Writers, artists, scientists, and politicians from 46 countries met not in Breslau, but the Piast’s Wrocław. Communist authorities intended the event to prove international support for the rebuilt Poland, which remained under the influence of the USSR.  

Let us say that these image efforts were successful – about 400 eminent guests came to Wrocław, among them Bertolt Brecht, Irene Joliot-Curie, Tadeusz Kotarbiński, Anna Seghers, Jorge Amado, Zofia Nałkowska and Michaił Szołochow. 

 And of course, Pablo Picasso, who got on the plane for the first time in his life.   

Unfortunately, the atmosphere of the event was disturbed by Aleksandr Fadiejew, an ardent Stalinist. In his fiery, pro-communist speech, the Soviet writer attacked the United States and the “decadent art” of the West. 

 This caused general indignation among the delegates, some of whom resigned from further participation in the Congress and left Wrocław.