He claimed the KGB was considering assassinating John Paul II on a visit to Poland.
The official told them, "You will have to kill all of them if you do this."
The official in Moscow replied, "You mean the entire Papal entourage?"
The one in Warsaw replied, "No, the entire population of Poland-- they will tear all of us limb from limb if you do this."
Why attack Poland when you can wipe out their top leadership in a plane crash on Russian soil?
If the Red Army ever attacked the West during the Cold War, most likely the Polish Armed Forces would not comply and would fight the Russians. The Soviets pretty much realized this.