Tape 2 Side 1
Mobilisation, August 1939
Paul Sapieha describes being mobilised on 26 August 1939, when he received orders to report for censorship duties in Stanyslaviv within 24 hours. He humorously recalls donning an elaborate parade uniform and travelling to Lwów with a companion named Władek.
Family Circumstances and His Father’s Death
He reflects on his father’s health decline, noting a heart attack occurred during a work session at Siedliska. His father reportedly had a premonition about impending war and the Bolsheviks profiting from it. When Sapieha’s daughter Krysia was born on 5 May 1934, his father died shortly after on 31 May. Sapieha chose not to have his wife attend the funeral, a decision that created lasting hurt, particularly regarding Polish mourning customs that conflicted with her sensibilities.
Early Employment in New York
His first job involved “toilet waters, perfumes, lipsticks” at a Fifth Avenue company, where he worked briefly before confronting the vulgar owner and leaving. A subsequent position at Kimballs as a salesman ended after one month.
Rock Crystal Business
Through a chance encounter with a former acquaintance, Sapieha connected with a Brazilian businessman named Ruskin who owned a rock crystal mine. Operating on five percent commission, Sapieha earned approximately $8,000 annually in 1941–1942 by supplying crystals to General Electric for military transmitters. The partnership dissolved when Ruskin demanded contract renegotiation.
Military Service
In 1943, Sapieha received a captain’s commission in the US Army. He initially worked on secret intelligence operations in Alexandria, Virginia (Box 1142), then travelled to Africa, meeting General Edwin Sibert in Dakar who would significantly influence his military assignments.
Service in London
Stationed in Beaconsfield then London, Sapieha worked in Counter Intelligence and Censorship for the First Army under General Omar Bradley. He collaborated with British counterparts, adapted British censorship directives for American forces, and lived in various London billets during the German air raids.