Główny Urząd Kontroli Prasy, Publikacji i Widowisk w latach 1945-1947. Problemy wewnątrzorganizacyjne

Abstract

The Main Office of Control of Press , Publications and Shows was founded and shaped its functions and its internal structure as a new institution of the philosophy unrelated with the tradition of the Second Polish Republic and at the same time, an important element of the new political reality. Development of the Office had two phases. The first one (1945-1946) was connected with launching the office as a result of formai transformation of the Central Office for Press Control and its regional branches hitherto subordinate to the Ministry of Public Security. The second stage (1946-1947) was linked with its re-Iaunching on the basis of the decree from July 5, 1946 and introducing improvements to its structures. The Office was created as part of special state administration but it functioned under the previous "Press Law" decree from November 21, 1938. Ultimately, the shape of the Office was decided on under the influence of not fully disclosed arguments between management of the Polish Workers' Party and the Polish Socialist Party about the way the representatives of the latter affect particular spheres of social and politcal life. This was visible in attempts to achieve influence of the MinistIy of Information and Propaganda chaired by Stefan Matuszewski, a Polish Socialist Party's activist in the field of censorship. In the years 1945-1947, the structure of the Main Office underwent dynamic changes stemming from both its goals formulated by its management and formal modifications performed by officials from the Council of Ministers' Board, especially those responsible for improving state administration. improving state administration. The structure of the organization was mirrored in the plan of full-time work positions and the factual personnel of 48-136 employees in the years 1946-1947.