We express our categorical protest against the slander of the Jedwabne community in connection with the murders committed on people of Jewish nationality during the period of Nazi occupation. Most media present this tragic event as a crime committed by the entire community of Jedwabne. We disagree with this opinion, and according to our knowledge (of the events) this act was committed by the Germans with the probable participation of from ten to twenty Poles.

As a small community, we are defenseless before the world's, unbelievable in its methods, campaign defaming our community and all of Poland. Jedwabne experienced great losses during both occupations, the Soviet and the German, and the people actively joined in armed struggle with the occupiers and for freedom of their land.

We remind everyone that the principal "witness" against the Poles is a former member of the Security Bureau (N.B., the communist security apparatus), to whose crimes were exposed by innumerable people. As on March 11th, Bishop Stanislav Stefanek reminded us - "today, we have a very rich offering of multifarious propaganda; we have specialized groups for disruption, provocation, disinformation, document alteration which dress in the toga of historians. Today, we have a new method of destroying people. That is why with such difficulty we come to the truth which is our moral obligation."

The truth of Polish-Jewish relations in our area is complex. Until the moment of the Soviet army's entry, Poles and Jews were in Jedwabne an example of good neighborly co-operation. This exemplary co-existence was disturbed by citizens of Jewish nationality during the Soviet occupation. We do not seek to cover-up historical truth and that is why we await the results of the investigation conducted by the Institute of National Remembrance. We desire that Polish-Jewish dialogue and reconciliation between our nations be conducted in mutual respect and truth.

We ask the Government of Poland to stand alert for Poland's good name and to put forth effort to clarify all the circumstances regarding the tragedy, since truth should see the light of day.

With great regret, we note the breach of Article 42, Par.3 of the Polish Constitution that states "everyone is innocent, until guilt is determined by a valid court decision". We ask Mr. President that you be the President of all the people and invite you to Jedwabne for April 13th and July 10th.

COMMITTEE FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE GOOD NAME OF JEDWABNE

PS Other evidence to support our claims is found in the numerous letters coming from within the country and from other countries, also from persons of Jewish nationality.