CONCERN IN BRITAIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 134, 8 May 1945, Page 7

CONCERN IN BRITAIN

SOVIET ARREST OF POLES RUSSIA’S METHODS (N.Z. Press Association. —Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.; (Rec. 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, May 7. “Extremely grave” and “deepest concern” arc comments made here on the British attitude towards the arrest by the Russian Government of the party of Polish political leaders on charges of “diversionary activities against the Red Army.” The diplomatic correspondent of the Times says: “The action is regarded as a flagrant violation of the Crimea Agreement. It is deplored that the common victory should bo marred by such a disclosure.” The Manchester Guardian, referring to the very serious view taken of the arrest, says that us far as can be ascertained the Poles consisted of L> representatives of the principal Democratic parties, an interpreter and General Okulieki. Most of the politicians had been specially recommended for inclusion in the new Polish Government and represented part of the British and American contribution to a Polish settlement on the lines of the Yalta decision.

“The Russians’ explanation of what happened to them makes it appear that they were already under arrest when. Sir Archibald ClarkKerr and Air Averell Harriman, in the early sessions of the Moscow Commission, were engaged in putting forward their qualifications to M. Alolotov,” the paper says.

“It was understood before the Crimea Conference that the British Government had asked the Polish Government in London to supply the names of its underground leaders in Poland for British guidance. Al. Arciszcwski s Government was reluctant to do so, for, as it said, it was responsible for the lives of these people. “The names of politicians m Roland who could be relied upon to co-opera to with the Russians were eventually given by other Poles in London wnu earnestly wanted such co-operation and thought this would he a helpful stop towards securing it. Contact was made with these Poles in Poland, who agreed that their names should lic_ notified to the British and American Governments and the Soviet. SUCCESS AT YALTA.

“Air Eden, it is believed, went to the Crimea Conference with these names, so to speak, in his pocket. It was possibly the knowledge that such willing co-operators existed in Poland that prompted the suggestion that was approved at Yalta.

“Of the subsequent ‘negotiations’ between these underground Poles and the Russians wc have only the evidence of - At. Areiszewski s Government. Impartial observers would probably credit that evidence, but whether it is accurate or not is,not of great importance since the gravity of the present situation is that the Pole's, who had British and American support, arc to he tried in Russia.” The diplomatic correspondent of .the Daily Herald says: “Two distinct'‘issues arc involved in the Soviet Government's action. First, they arc arresting the very men who were suggested by us as suitable to represent the Polish Democratic parties in Poland at the Aloscow Conference. This has made it almost impossible to carry out the Yalta Agrecmnt. Secondly, the Soviet Government has, for several weeks, not' only failed to notify the British and American Governments ol this serious step., but lias professed to have no knowledge of the whereabouts of tlio missing Poles.”

The Polish Telegraph Agency has stated that Colonel Pimenov told the arrested leaders that lie guaranteed their personal safety on liis Soviet officer’s word of honour. Alter consulting his superiors Colonel , Pimenov gave a solemn pledge to these Polish leaders that a plane would be put at their disposal to take them to London for consultation.

“There will be one big shadow upon our YE-Day rejoicing,” says the Daily Mail in a leader. “It can he found in the news that the Russians have arrested 16 Polish political delegates who placed their trust in Russian honour. Everywhere outside Russia it is regarded with dismay and we wonder whether the Russians realise the intensity of the shock which has been administered to the rest of the civilised world.

“It is regrettable but true that Russia’s dealings with her neighbours and Allies have been tortuous and secretive. There can he no confidence among the nations if one of them insists on taking its own course, flouting the others and refusing to compromise. That way lies

disaster.” “Whatever may he the rights and wrongs of the arrests of the 16 Poles by the Russians, it has inevitably caused grave disquietude,” says tho Times in a loader. “It reveals what can only he described as an astonishing lack of frankness on the part of the Russian Government over a matter which has been the subject of .continuous negotiation.”