Tape 2 Side 2
Wartime London and Buzz Bombs
After D-Day, while stationed in the Second Echelon, Sapieha was sent to Bristol and returned to find his house destroyed by a buzz bomb that struck the nearby French Club. Local pub patrons had collected his salvaged belongings and stored them in the King George pub.
On Communist Strategy
Sapieha quotes Sun Tzu (500 BC): “The greatest art is to break the enemy’s opposition without a fight.” He argues this ancient strategy parallels modern communist tactics employing subversion, espionage, and propaganda.
He contends Soviet embassies contain approximately 40% KGB agents. He criticises Western leadership for failing to recognise that identical words carry different meanings in communist versus Western discourse — a technique the Soviets term “disinformation.”
Examples cited include Khrushchev’s disarmament proposal alongside the placement of Cuban missiles, and the subsequent U-2 incident that prevented the Eisenhower summit.
He warns that unless the West comprehends communist methodology, communism will spread globally, and criticises West German Chancellor Brandt for trusting Soviet agreements.
France, the Normandy Landing
Sapieha describes landing at Omaha Beach via Plymouth landing craft, proceeding to la Vallée where headquarters occupied a field with tent accommodations.
His first French meal at the Hôtel de la Poste yielded excellent cuisine and approximately fifty Camembert cheese boxes, which he stacked outside his tent — creating an unfortunate appearance.
He accompanied a general observing combat and interrogating captured prisoners.
Liaison Officer Appointment
Two weeks after the landing, General Sibert appointed Sapieha chief of liaison operations, replacing a retiring American colonel. General Bradley instructed him to manage foreign officers independently without bothering him with liaison concerns.
Sapieha gained access throughout the army, travelling with General Le Bel to meet corps and division commanders, placing French and Belgian officers at various command levels.