POLISH PREMIER IS BACK IN LONDON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 194, 15 August 1944, Page 5

POLISH PREMIER IS BACK IN LONDON

WARSAW’S RISE REGRETTED Recd. 6 p.m. Rugby, Aug. 13. The Polish Prime Minister, Mr. Mikoiajczyk, has returned to London from Moscow. It is understood he will consult his Government on the result of his conversations with Marshal Stalin and the Polish leaders in Russia. Since his journey appears to have been attended by some measure ot success, early amelioration of relations between the two eastern allies is fervently hoped for in London. On Monday Mr. Mikoiajczyk will see the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden. It is regarded as specially unfortunate that at the very time of Mr. Mikolajczyk’s gallant venture, the Polish underground movement in Warsaw began what may turn out to have been a premature rising against the Germans. It appears that the underground leader, General Bors, hearing the Russian guns at the eastern outskirts, consulted the Polish Government in London on the advisability of ordering a general rising. He was given leave to do so when he thought fit. He acted at. once, since the moment appeared propitious. The Russians had been advancing switfiy and had taken the obstacle of the River Bug in their stride. However, the German High Command, in view of the strategic and political irriportance of Warsaw, concentrated for its defence the elite of armoured divisions from other fronts, including Italy and Rumania. With these they struck back at the i Russian spearhead, inflicting at least a check as they converged. It became necessary for the Russians to consolidate the ground won and build up forces for a crossing of the Vistula, and to clear the lower course of the Bug. before they could hop.? to capture Warsaw. Until they can cross the Vistula somewhat nearer the capital it does not seem 1 possible to hope for a frontal assault on the city. In these circumstances Allied aid is being sent to th? inhabitants of Warsaw by such means as arc available. How effective such assistance can be is difficult to judge from London.— 8.0.W.