Nazi Hopes of Split With Soviet Disappointed

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 6, 8 January 1944, Page 5

Nazi Hopes of Split With Soviet Disappointed

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) Received Friday, 11 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 7.

Broadcasting to Poland last night the Prime Minister (Mr. Mikolajczyk) told the Polish underground movement to strike with renewed force against the Germans and avoid friction with the Russians. ‘‘We would have preferred to meet the Soviet troops not simply as allies of our allies fighting against a common foe but as our own allies as well. ’ ’

The Times’ diplomatic correspondent says Mr. Mikolajczyk staunchly upheld polish rights and was silent, as was his statement, on the question of specific frontiers. Although the difficulties remain enormous and the problems are of many kinds, danger signals come from Germany as a corrective against any belief that there is much time left for debating. Neutral correspondents report German hopes of Russian-Polish clashes and the ruthless Governor of Poland (Dr. Frank) offered in a public proclamation a ‘‘proper place” to Poland in the future family of European nations. Efforts are being made by the British and American Governments to produce an understanding between the Polish Government and Russia, says the Daily Mail’s diplomatic correspondent. The correspondent adds that, although it is not possible so far to make much headway, hope is constantly expressed in British circles that greater progress will be made in the near future. The Polish problem is regarded as a test case in matters relating to the settlement of Europe after hostilities end. There is certainly no desire on the part of the British Government that the Polish Government should be forced to accept any settlement. British Minis tecs are anxious that the frontier question should be settled by friendly negotiations, and to this end they are prepared to give all their assistance; British reaction is that the only feature of the Polish Government’s statement is that it does not close the door on the possibility of a negotiated settlement with Russia. The worst aspect is the virtual direction to Polish underground authorities not to cooperate with the Russians unless or until there is a resumption of PolishSoviet relations.