EAST GALICIAN QUESTION ON THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA (1919–1923): RESEARCHES AND INTERPRETATIONS OF CONTEMPORARY UKRAINIAN HISTORIANS

Abstract

In the article the works of modern Ukrainian researchers devoted to diplomatic activity of the emigratory government of ZUNR and international aspects of East Galician question throughout 1919-1923 are analysed. The author has grounded the factors which influenced the efficiency of the investigation into the  theme, has allocated priority directions of concrete historical studies, has summed up the search work of scientists, and has outlined a circle of insufficiently studied questions.

The analysis of historiographic sources certified that studying of the considered theme in the conditions of Ukraine’s independence is marked by an essential gain of scientific historical knowledge. The expansion of the thematic field of research became possible thanks to the general public interest to the history of Western Ukrainian National Republic (ZUNR), especially, of East Galician question on the international scene, the use of archival materials by domestic scientists and, also, scientific achievements of the representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora.

However, along with that, there still remains a requirement to continue search work. Historians, mainly, single out external factors which affected the unfair settling of the political destiny of East Galicia by the big states. However, more attention should be drawn to the internal factors of the defeat of ZUNR diplomacy. In particular, the discussions will inevitably be continued on such issues as possibility or impossibility of changing the course of events in the Ukrainian-Polish opposition in the favour of ZUNR yet before the arrival of general

1. Bartelemew’s mission in Lviv, or – causes and effects of the creation of an independent delegation ZO of UNR in Paris (December, 1919).

The history of West Ukrainian diplomacy through a prism of biographies has a prospect of further development. The questions concerning the activity of the Entante missions in East Galicia remain actual. The writing of a synthetic work which would recreate all nuances of the foreign policy of ZUNR government, particularly, the Viennese period of its activity, is a requirement of the day.