POLAND’S FRONTIERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22786, 10 January 1944, Page 6

POLAND’S FRONTIERS

Soviet Submits Proposals

(Rec. 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 9. The Russian Government has made definite proposals for a compromise settlement of the territorial dispute with Poland, says the diplomatic correspondent of the “Observer.” Under the proposals, which are reported to have British and American approval, the new Russian and Polish frontier would be based, with certain modifications, on the 1920 Curzon line, which runs roughly due south from the southernmost point of 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 being extended to the west 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, treading in the footsteps of Goebbels’ propaganda, have spread rumours that we intend to Sovietise Poland. No one to-day believes inch 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 die spokesman of the Union of Polish Patriots and broadcast to Poland from Moscow, is quoted by Reuter’s. “If wo 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 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 frontier problems must be settled once and for all. The Polish soldier appreciates that Poland is firmly entrenched on the Baltic. Enriched by economically valuable territory taken from the Germans, she can build peace and happiness.”