Deeply Concerned About Fate of Warsaw

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 207, 1 September 1944, Page 5

Deeply Concerned About Fate of Warsaw

PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT IM HOUSE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Auo. 31. That the British Government had done everything possible—even to the length of taking extra risks with planes and airmen —to succour the citizens of Waraaw in their valiant atruggle against the Germans was an assurance given by Mr. Fraser when the matter was raised in the House this afternoon. Mr. C. G. E. Harker (Waipukurau) in an urgent question asked Mr. Fraser If his attention had been directed to a letter in a Wellington newspaper over ths signatures of O’Shea, Archbishop of Wellington, and Holland, Bishop of Wellington. (The letter stated: “For some weeks a body of Polish citizens under General Bore had been fighting against the German forces In Warsaw. According to a cable message R.A.F. planes from Italy had been making round trips of 1700 miles through an area strongly defended by German fighters In order to drop them supplies at heavy cost in British lives. What we are unable to understand is why trips of this sort are necessary when our Russian allies are only a few miles from the city. The deep concern in the last few days has been given wide expression in leading British newspapers. We believe we are voicing the concern of cur community when we ask that our Government make urgent inquiries as to whether it is not possible for supplies to be sent from Russia to assist our Polish allies before it is too late. We have been rejoicing in the liberation of Paris by its own citizens. For 27 days the citizens of Warsaw with heroic courage have been attempting to free their own city. From Information received we know that, large parts of Warsaw are completely obliterated, that the casualties have been very heavy, that the medical supplies art exhausted and that now starvation is staring the patriots In the face. Seventy thousand civilians, women, children and old people, have been driven into a concentration camp on the outskirts of the city and are subjected to ghastly tortures and sufferings. We feel that on the grounds of common humanity we dare not keep silence on this tragedy.”) Mr. Harker asked If the Government would investigate the position with a view to seeing If It could make representations in any quarter which might lead to some alleviation of the terrible position in Poland. Mr. Harker said since the letter was published information had been received that the number of Poles herded Into the concentration camp on the outskirts of Waraaw had been increased from 70,000 to 100,000. Mr. Fraser, replying, said all who had read the letter would have very heavy hearts. “We have been deeply concerned about tho fate of those taking part In tho risings in Warsaw. We cannot pay too high a tribute to them in the valiant fight they are making,” added the Prtme Minister. The Poles were still fighting against heavy odds in ths heart of Warsaw. There appeared to have been some confusion over the initiation of the rising owing apparently to lack of coordination with the British and Russian authorities. That only made the matter more urgent because if the Poles had erred it was on the side of righteousness and courage. All the United Nations hao a great responsibility Indeed. That respofi* sibility had been fully discharged so far as the New Zealand Government was concerned in consultation and collaboration with the British Government. “I think the spirit of the people of New Zealand is that if any of our friends and allies are In dire straights we should expend every effort and urge others to do the same to give aid.” Mr. Fraser said if anything further could be done by the Government no representations would be neglected. NEW YORK, Aug. 31. Infantile paralysis cases tlirougliout the United States are at the highest level since tbe epidemic in 1916 and continue to rise. Tlie nealtk authorities have issued a warning that the peak is not yet in sight. At August 19 there were 6258 cases reported compared with 4068 at the corresponding date

last year. The deaths total 169 in nine States including 63 in one county in New York State.