The Provisional Council of State (, ) was the first government of the Kingdom of Poland, a puppet state created by the military authorities of Germany and Austria-Hungary on formerly Russian-controlled Polish lands during the First World War.
The Provisional Council was officially created on the basis of the Act of November 5th of 1916 and started meetings on 14 January 1917. The Council had 25 members; 10 from Austria-Hungary and 15 from Germany. Its president was Wacà Âaw Niemojowski and its vice president was Józef Mikuà Âowski-Pomorski. Józef Pià Âsudski held authority over military matters.
The Council demanded more autonomy from the occupying governments, including in education. After attempts by Austria-Hungary and Germany to ensure that the Council would be a puppet body, Pià Âsudski resigned, which led to the oath crisis in the Polish legions in July. In its aftermath, the Council disbanded on 25 August 1917.
It was followed by the Temporary Committee of the Provisional Council of State (Komisja Przejà Âciowa Tymczasowej Rady Stanu) and then by the Regency Council.
Members of the Council were Józef Brudzià Âski, Stanisà Âaw Bukowiecki, Stanisà Âaw Dzierzbicki, Ludwik Górski, Józef Higersberger, Marian Januszajtis-à »egota, Kazimierz Natanson, Józef Pià Âsudski, Franciszek Pius Radziwià Âà Â, Wojciech Rostworowski, Eustachy Sapieha, Stanisà Âaw Chaniewski, Stanisà Âaw Staniszewski, Wà Âadysà Âaw Studnicki, and Artur à Âliwià Âski.