POLISH ARMED FORCES’ FUTURE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21977, 22 March 1946, Page 4

POLISH ARMED FORCES’ FUTURE

TRANSFER PLAN BRITISH ADVICE BACK TO POLAND TROOPS UNEASY LONDON. March 20. An agreement had been reached about the transfer of the Polisli armed forces under British command back to Poland, announced the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Ernest Bevin, in the House of Commons. Every member of the forces to-day has received a document in Polish accompanied by a message from Mr. Bevin explaining the policy of the British Government regarding the Polish armed forces. 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 the British command as forming part of the Polish armed forces. Mr. Bevin said 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. Agreement With Warsaw 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 the 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 and he had received assurances that it did not affect the conditions stated in the document issued to the troops and that the Provisional Government would, as far as possible, deal with the applications by categories rather than by insisting 'on individual scrutiny by consUls. . The arrangements for the repatriation of those deciding to return would be made by the British Government in consultation with the Polish Government. Government Assistance 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 had fought so courageously to start a new life outside Poland'with their families and dependents. ~ mt _ . The problem was difficult. 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 bandied most sympathetically. Demobilisation would lake some time. There was no question of discharging men overnight. The problem had been discussed by Mr. Attlee and himself with General Anders and other Polish commanders who had visited London for the purpose. “We received assurances from

General Anders and other commanders that they would co-operate and that no pressure would be brought to bear to influence the men against returning, he added. The success of the arrangements and fair treatment of the returnees would determine to a large extent the relationship between the two countries. Tribute To Fighting Men 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 strict fulfilment 'of the conditions and would watch the progress of the economic reconstruction and rebuilding of Polish independence, which the Polish nation was tackling so courageously. Mr. Anthony Eden asked if it were still a fact that for men who did not want to return the British Government would do all possible to find another way of life for then] 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 political and industrial reconstruction. They were very anxious tliat the Polish troops should return to their own country, but could not relieve themselves of the resDonsibilitv for those who felt in conscience that they could not return. Mr. Bevin said: “It is a matter for regret to me that some members have coupled the existence of these forces with the U.S.S.R. I approached the problem not influenced in the slightest degree by the Moscow radio, by Soviet feelings or Polish predilections.” Message to the Forces Mr Bevin’s message to the Polish forces says: “The Polish Government has given Britain a statement of policy toward returning members of the Polish forces under British command which Britain considers satisfactory." His statement plainly warns the Polish troops that “there is no question of the Polish Army. Navy and Air Force at present under British command being preserved by the British Government as an independent armed force abroad.” Britain intends to disband as soon as possible those men who have decided not to return to Poland.

The Polish Government’s statement, attached to Mr. Bevin’s message, gives an undertaking that no punitive measures or reprisals will be carried out excent against those who served in the German forces or those guilty of high treason or common crimes under the 1932 penal code. The statement declared that. Polish soldiers who fought with the western Allies will be accorded equal recognition with those who fought with Russia, receiving equal rights for pensions and land grants. Polish Jews from the provinces east of the Curzon Line will automatically be regarded as Polish citizens.

Representatives of General Anders’ Polish army in Italy, following Mr. Bevin’s statement, said the British had let them down and expressed extreme disappointment and a determination not to return to Poland, says the Exchange Telegraph’s correspondent in Rome. Senior Polish officers openly state that they have no confidence in the promises and undertakings of the Warsaw Government, and would prefer to build up a new life in Italy. The correspondent said General Anders was the only person able to influence the Polish soldiers to think otherwise. A message from him to the troops was expected hourly.