Poles say they appreciate the Ambassador's uncanny feel for their nation.

Four million people died here, the Poles say.

"Now I remember," the Pole said, his face lighting up.

More than 100 hard-line delegates may do just that, although some Poles say the only place they will be heading is into oblivion.

Many Poles have said the short-term hardships could set off strikes and perhaps violence this spring.

"It was very satisfying for the team," Pole said.

"They complement each other," Pole said of his prized pupils.

"They come over here with list of the models of cars to steal," a Pole said.

The Poles say the withdrawal over the next four years will take at least 11,000 trains and 3,000 road convoys.

The Poles say, not without a certain pride, that they are the only ones ever to occupy the Kremlin.