Jewish industrialists connected with the zinc industry in Bedzin in the light of military counter-intelligence materials from 1934

Abstract

The article consists of four parts. The first shows the history of three zinc white plants in Będzin: Polskie Zakłady Przemysłu Cynkowego in Będzin, Zinc White Production Plant and "Huta Feniks" Sp. Akc. In Będzin and the Zinc White Production Plant and the "Leontyna" Zinc Steel Works in Będzin. All three companies were owned by Jews. Then, the circumstances of the accusation of "Huta Feniks" and "Leontyna" for activities to the detriment of the Polish state are presented, which resulted in the collection of material about the owners and members of the Audit Committees by military counterintelligence (presented in appendices 1 and 2). Attention was paid to the specific features of industrialists: origin, education, political inclinations, loyalty to the Polish state, reputation in the local environment, social engagement and family ties. In the final part, the counterintelligence material was confronted with the police material and with the company's description from the business information bureau. The method of cooperation between officials and counterintelligence is also noteworthy.