Restrictions On Soviet Troops In Poland

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28155, 19 December 1956, Page 15

Restrictions On Soviet Troops In Poland

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rcc. 11 p.rti.) MOSCOW, December 18. Every movement of Russian troops outside their bases in Poland would require the consent of the Polish authorities under a new agreement concluded in Warsaw yesterday, it was announced today. The Soviet news agency, Tass, said an agreement on the status of Russian troops in Poland was signed.in Warsaw last night by the Russian Foreign Minister (Mr Dimitri Shepilov) and his Polish counterpart, Mr Adam Rapacki. The Soviet Defence Minister (Marshal Zhukov) also signed the agreement at the ceremony, which was watched by Polish Communist and military leaders.

The agreement disclosed that the strength of Russian forces temporarily staying in Poland and the places where they stayed will be determined on the basis of a special agreement between both sides.

Other provisions of the agreement included:—

A temporary stay of Russian forces must not infringe on Polish sovereignty or interfere in her internal affairs.

The movement of Russian forces on Polish territory will require the agreement of the Government of the Polish People’s Republic or of the Polish authorities empowered to that effect.

Training and manoeuvres by Russian forces outside their bases must be carried out under plans approved by Polish authorities. Russian forces and their dependents are obliged to respect and observe regulations established by Polish law.