THE POLISH DISPUTE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 136, 10 May 1945, Page 4

THE POLISH DISPUTE.

In the hour of victory a discordant note has been introduced by the revelation of M. Molotov that a number of Polish political leaders, not members of- the Lublin Government formed by the Soviet, have been arrested by

Moscow's orders on charges of diversionary activities against the lied Army. The revelation was made by M. Molotov at the San Francisco Conference and has caused grave disquiet among the British and United States authorities. The future government of Poland was a major issue at the Yalta Conference, and it was confidently hoped that a way favourable to all the parties had been found by the proposal to set up a provisional Government until elections could be held and the State returned to a proper basis. A conference was being held in Moscow to which these Polish delegates were to go as representatives of the Polish Government in London, being assured of safe conduct. Instead they have been arrested and lodged in gaol awaiting trial. In these circumstances Britain and the United States have found it necessary to break off discussions with Russia on the Polish question. Many of the arrested Poles had been recommended for inclusion in the new Polish Government and represented part of Britain and the United States's contribution to a settlement of the Polish issue. Questions had been asked in the House of Commons on this matter but inquiries from Moscow were fruitless until M. Molotov made his statement. Russia's action again suggests her unwillingness to _ act fully and openly with Britain and the United States in a complete and satisfactory solution of this vexed matter.