Raczyński, Edward (1891–1993)

Polish diplomat and politician of the post-war government in exile in London.

He entered the Polish ministry for foreign affairs in 1919, and his early diplomatic experience included assignments in Copenhagen and London. Between 1932 and 1934 he acted as Polish delegate to the Disarmament Conference. He was Polish ambassador to London 1934–45. During World War II Raczyński was first acting minister for foreign affairs and then, in 1942, prime minister. After the war, when recognition was withdrawn from the exile government, Raczyński acted as Polish representative to a number of foreign office and home office committees dealing with the Polish community in the UK. He became a symbol of continuing Polish presence in the West. From 1979 to 1986 he was president of the Polish government in exile.