THE POLISH FORCES

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 March 1946, Page 7

THE POLISH FORCES

Agreement for Transfers Home ■ OPTION TO STAY ABROAD (Rec. 2.10 p.m.) ' LONDON, March 20. An agreement has been reached about the transfer of the Polish armed forces under British commands back to Poland. This was announced by the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Bevin, in the House of Commons. Every member of the Polish forces to-day received a document in Polish, accompanied by a message from Mr. Bevin, explaining the policy of the British Government regarding the Polish armed forces and the men themselves. Mr. Bevin expressed surprise and regret that the Polish Provisional Government, when the agreement was reached, said it could no longer regard the units under British command as forming part of the Polish armed forces. Mr. Bevin said that some members of the Polish forces had availed themselves of the transport provided for those wishing to return, but from the start he felt that one of the principal causes preventing large numbers from returning was. the lack of certainty as to how they would be received. The British Government had urged the Polish Provisional Government to clarify the conditions which would apply and an agreement had been reached. The Polish Provisional Government then asked that units under British command should be disbanded forthwith and the men who wished to return’ should make individual application to the Polish consulates abroad. This Note had been fully discussed with the Provisional Government. He had received assurances that it did not affect the conditions stated in the document issued to the troops and the Provisional Government would, as far as possible, deal with the applications by categories rather than by insisting on individual scrutiny by consuls. Arrangements for the repatriation of those deciding to return would be made by the British- Government in consultation with the Polish Government.

Mr Bevin said there might be some men not wishing to return. The British Government, in collaboration with other governments, would assist as far as possible those who fought so courageously to start a new life outside Poland with their families and dependants. The problem wa§ a difficult one. The British Government could not at this stage offer a guarantee that all the men would be able to settle in British territories here or overseas. The problem would be handled most sympathetically.

The demobilisation, Mr Bevin said, would take some time. There was no question of discharging the men overnight. The problem had been discussed by Mr Attlee and himself with General Anders and the other Polish commanders who visited London for the purpose. “We received assurances 'from General Anders and the other commanders that they would co-operate,” he added, “and that no pressure would be brought to bear to influence the men against returning.” The success of the arrangements and the fair treatment of the men who returned would determine to a large extent the relationship between the two countries.

Mr Bevin paid a tribute to the services of the Polish forces. He said the British Government would continue to use its influence in favour of the strict fulfilment of the conditions. It would watch the progress of the economic reconstruction of Polish independence which the Polish nation was tackling so courageously.

Mr Churchill's Offer.

Mr Anthony Eden asked if it was still a fact that for the men who did not want to return the British Government would do all possible to find another way of life for them within the British Empire, in the spirit of which Mr Churchill spoke? Mr Bevin assented. He said he would like members not to encourage members of the Polish forces to decline to return. He felt that those magnificent troops would be an asset to Poland in the political and industrial reconstruction. They were very anxious that the Polish troops should return to their own country, but could not relieve themselves of the responsibility for those who felt in conscience that they could not return.