I was chosen as a courier,
because before,
ever since my high school,
every vacation I spend abroad in some other country.
At the age of 18, 19, 20,
to spend vacations in Poland was crazy.
So I went to Romania, to Germany,
Switzerland, France, England.
I knew languages.
Then, I was young and strong.
Then, I was a sportsman-- horseback riding, tennis. I was a good skier.
This is why they chose me as a courier to France at that time.
And I knew Europe, because I was in so many countries.
And I was sent at the end of December, 1939...
to France, where the Polish government in exile resided,
recognized by the French government.
People asked me, "Oh, you talked to Roosevelt.
What did Roosevelt do? What was his reaction?"
Yes, he told me--
At that time, he was informed that I was going back to Poland by the Polish ambassador...
who, by diplomatic protocol, introduced me to the president.
So, he knew...
when he gave me his hand.
So I was sort of inspired,
and I wanted to pin him down a little.
So I told him, "Mr. President, I'm going to Poland.
"Every leader will know...
"that I spoke to President Roosevelt.
"Sir, everybody will ask me,
"'What did the president tell you?'
Mr. President, what do I answer?"
And I remember this.
"You will tell your leaders...
that we shall win this war!"
He continuously smoked the long cigarette,
the long cigarette holder.
He said, "We will win this war!
"The guilty ones will be punished...
"for their crimes!
"Justice, freedom shall prevail.
"You will tell your nation...
"that they have a friend in this house.
This is what you will tell them."
He gave me his hand.
I couldn't tell him, "Mr. President, that's all?"