Polish Ex-Soldiers In N.Z. Opposed To Red Warsaw Rule
(P.A.) WELLINGTON. July 24 The flags of New Zealand and Poland were draped side by side in Wellington yesterday when about 50 Polish ex servicemen rose and sang the British National Anthem to open the inauguial meeting of the Polish Combatants' Association. The .first part of the meeting was conducted in English with interpretations of speeches and the business portion was carried out in Polish.
The Minister of Defence. Mr. T. L. Macdonald, the president of the New Zealand Returned Services Association. Sir Howard Kiooenberger. and the president of the Wellington R.S.A.. Mr. S. C. Bradley, were guests. Major J K. Sledzinski. president of the new association, said that in spite of the efforts of Polish servicemen in the war thev could not return homo. “Oh. ves. we were invited to go back." he said, “but you know what would happen. Aim of Communists “We would be rats for a trap to shut on The Communists want to shut the mouths of free Poles. They do not want men who can tell the truth about Poland. When the time comes, if you ask us we will stand by your side again ” Mr. Macdonald said he was glad that New Zealand had been able to help Polish children. ‘T met some Poles in the Middle East and I heard from them some of their personal tragedies,” said the Minister. He would be pleased and proud to convey Major Sledzinski’s message of support to the Prime Minister.
“There is still a future for free Poland,” said Sir Howard Kippenberger. “If you decide to make your homes here you will be verv welcome. If in future you go back you will go with out goodwill.”
Fathei L. Plater, who presided, denied suggestions that Poles in New Zealand were Communists or fellowtravellers. “We are the most anticommunist of anyone in this city or in this country.” he said. “I do not see how we could be susoectcd of being fellow-travellers. Wc do not recognise the Government in Warsaw. Our Government is in London.”
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23315, 26 July 1950, Page 8
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348Polish Ex-Soldiers In N.Z. Opposed To Red Warsaw Rule Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23315, 26 July 1950, Page 8
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