“In the beginning I asked myself if I had the moral right to do this. I was a Pole. I understood that Poles should be free and that United States was the only country that might support the fight for freedom for Poland. On the other hand, I was providing so much important information, and there always will be this question of whether a human being has this right, based on his own individual decision, particularly if the interests of the whole country and maybe the lives of millions are involved. It was a dilemma, my moral dilemma, but I became convinced that I not only had the right, I had the moral obligation."

                                                                      During Colonel Kukliński’s meeting with Benjamin Weiser
                                                                      Reston, Virginia, 1992
                                                                      From A Secret Life by Benjamin Weiser

I do not consider this a hazardous game, playing some risky game, because I know that my country's place is in the free world. I would like to extend, above all on my own behalf, to the defense leadership of the United States, my assurance that just as I think, think almost 30 million Poles. It is our deep yearning to find ourselves with you in the free world. My country's situation is not an easy one. We are placed in the middle of our brothers who we have not chosen but who were given to us by fate, that is, the Soviet Union, which has armies in front of us, and behind, and the situation is hard. But I think that in moments of trial, Polish Armed Forces will stand shoulder to shoulder with the American Army.

                                                                      During one of the first meetings with CIA operatives
                                                                      Kiel, Germany, August 25, 1972
                                                                      From A Secret Life by Benjamin Weiser

“…Apparently strictly ideological, based on strong patriotic and anti-Soviet feelings…As patriotic Pole with no love left for Soviets, he felt he should contribute to the West…In short, he’s a Pole…It seems we are dealing with a man of far above average intelligence and talents…”

                                                                      the CIA Cable to Langley, August 1972
                                                                      From A Secret Life by Benjamin Weiser

“While facing great personal danger, Col. Kuklinski consistently provided extremely valuable and highly classified information about armed forces, operational plans and intentions of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact members. Having accomplished the above, he made an unparalleled contribution to the preservation of peace, especially in crisis situations. Throughout all that time, Col. Kuklinski was motivated by the most noble patriotism, a deep sense of duty and dedication to the ideas of freedom.

Unfortunately, his dedication and sacrifice must remain a secret forever. This medal, secret as well, reflects the appreciation – which he greatly deserves – of the legions of people worldwide who share his ideals.”

                                                                      CIA Headquarters
                                                                      Langley, Virginia, shortly after Colonel Kukliński’s arrival in the United States
                                                                      From A Secret Life by Benjamin Weiser

In his view, the Polish Armed Forces, in case of a war, could never be "harnessed to the Soviet war machine." For centuries, he said, Poland had a tradition of freedom, and the Polish Army was "where freedom was fought for."

But even though Poland was deep inside the Communist bloc, he continued, "the place of our armed forces, the place of our army, although inside the defense system of the Soviet Union, is on the side of freedom. It is where your army is, the army of the United States."

Poland had not chosen its place in this divided world, Kuklinski said. And the Polish Army had not chosen to be part of a Soviet war machine. He felt Poland's interests were much more aligned with the West's than with Moscow's, and he wanted Poland to be free of Soviet domination. He did not see America as an adversary and believed that for mutual security, the Polish and American armies should open a line of communication. Kuklinski said he had reached this conclusion while serving as an officer on the General Staff, where he had access to the military secrets of his country and the Warsaw Pact. For almost nine years, his assignment had been to prepare for a "hot war" with the West. But everything he had seen confirmed his belief that his country was on the wrong side.