POLISH FRONTIER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25429, 10 January 1944, Page 3

POLISH FRONTIER

DISPUTE WITH RUSSIA PROPOSALS FOR SETTLEMENT (Rec. 9,30 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 9. "The Russian Government has made definite proposals for a compromise settlement of the territorial dispute with Poland,” says the Observer’s diplomatic correspondent. ‘‘Under the proposals, which are reported to have British and American approval, the new Russian-Polish frontier would be based, with certain modifications, on the 1920 Curzon line, which runs roughly due south from the southernmost point in Lithuania. Russia would return Grodno and Bialystok to Poland, but would retain Wilno and the rest of East Poland. Russia and her allies, to compensate Poland, envisage Poland’s frontiers extending westwards by the inclusion of German territory. The Russian proposals are believed to have been made before the Red Army last week crossed the old Polish frontier.”

“ Before us lies the great task of the reconstruction of Poland. London Fascists are treading in the footsteps of Goebbels and spreading rumours that we intend to Sovietise Poland, No one to-day believes such futilities, but it is true that we wish to build up a democratic parliamentary Poland in which the whole nation will have a say in matters of government.” This statement, attributed to a spokesman of the Union of Polish Patriots and broadcast to Poland from Mqscow, is quoted by Reuter’s correspondent. “If we are to safeguard the nation’s security a central nucleus of authority must come into being which will preserve us from all Fascist designs,” said the spokesman. “If there are people in London to whom the nation’s freedom is dear, as no doubt there are, let them come out openly and courageously against all who are holding the handcuffs ready for the future of Poland. Poland must be rebuilt in fraternal alliance with the White Russians, Ukrainians, and Czechs. The Polish soldier understands that the frontier problems must be settled once and for all. The Polish soldier appreciates that Poland, firmly entrenched on the Baltic and enriched by economically valuable territory taken from the Germans, can build in peace and happiness.”