POLISH SETTLEMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 149, 26 June 1945, Page 5

POLISH SETTLEMENT

SATISFACTION IN LONDON

(Special P.A. Correspondent.) Rec. 9 a.m. LONDON, June 25

The satisfaction which is expressed here at the agreement among the Poles themselves to form a new Government of national unity is also accompanied by something resembling a sigh of relief, for of all the shadows lying across Anglo-Soviet friendship, this threatened to be the most sinister. There are indications that the constitution of the new Polish Government conforms to the Yalta formula, which prescribed the reorganisation of the existing Provisional Government "on a broader democratic basis, with the inclusion of democratic leaders from Poland itself and from the Poles abroad." The fact that the Allies will recognise the new Government as soon as it has given its pledge to hold free elections means, of course, that the British and American Governments will cease to recognise the present Ldndon Government headed by M. Arciszewski. This body condemns the new agreement, and its Minister of Information has asserted that three-quar-ters of the new Government would be Communist and without effective political influence, and that the settlement is one more step down the road leading to complete liquidation of the independence of Poland. On the other hand, M. Mikolajczyk, whose honesty and caution are highly regarded in London, is reported to be very satisfied with the agreement and to have expressed absolute faith that everything will be carried out in a loyal manner. One outstanding problem -is the future of the Polish armed forces in Britain. Their position arid the question of their unification with the forces in Poland are to be discussed jointly by British, American, Russian, and Polish representatives. Many Poles in Britain are reluctant to return home, although it is thought that some may change their minds when the new Government is announced. There are also former prisoners, labourers, and members of parties supporting the London Government, and lack of confidence resulted in about 90 per cent, of the Poles abroad not wanting to return. The Allies are not making any attempt to force Poles back against their will, and those who fought for Britain and who do not want to return to Poland have been offered British citizenship. Another question to be considered will be Polish finance and the assets and funds now under the control of M. Arciszewski's Government. •. It is thought that the new Polish1 Government will need all the good will and resolution it can muster in the face of its many difficulties. Meanwhile, with the long-stanaing obstacle of Poland removed, statesmen attending the coming conference in Berlin can devote themselves, as 'The Times" says, to "the many issues of even wider import for Europe and the world which press for their attention and decision."