In 1939 , Aszkenazy left Poland traveling through France on her way to the United States to attend the 1939 New York World 's Fair . The outbreak of World War II in Poland forced her to remain abroad and she joined the American Red Cross in New York City . After a brief stint working for the Red Cross , Aszkenazy was appointed as a press and public relations officer at the Polish embassy in Washington DC from 1939 to 1941 . She was attached to the Polish embassy in Moscow from 1941 to 1943 , when Poland recalled its diplomatic staff over the Katyn massacre . Her work in Russia revolved around establishing an embassy to care for the 1.5 million Poles living in Russia in the war-time conditions , in which rationing was imposed and they were viewed suspiciously because of their nationality . Aszkenazy was also involved in the evacuation of Polish Jews from the USSR to Iraq . She was described in 1941 as " the only woman in the diplomatic corps in Moscow " and in 1943 as the " only Polish woman diplomat " . During World War II she gave lectures in the United States about her experiences as a woman diplomat and about the post-war hopes of the Polish people . Her " sultry " looks and stylish wardrobe were often as much commented upon as the content of her speeches . She also addressed an anniversary celebration for the Polish constitution in 1944 , in Los Angeles
Katyn massacre
Katyn massacre
Natalia Aszkenazy