POLISH TROOPS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 119, 24 May 1946, Page 5

POLISH TROOPS

DEMOBILISATION PLAN SETTLEMENT IN BRITAIN OR OVERSEAS Recd. 6 p.m. London, May 22. All Polish troops who did not wish to return to Poland were being translerred to Britain for demobilisation and settlement in civilian life, either in Britain or overseas. Announcing this in the House of Commons, the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Bevin, said that the Government had decided to enlist some of them in a special ' resettlement’’ corps, the conditions of service and rates of pay of which would be announced later. Mr. Bevin emphasised that the corps was essentially a transitional arrangement designed to facilitate the transition from military to civil life. It would cease to exist as soon as resettlement was complete. He explained that the Government considered it unfair and impracticable to launch many ot these gallant men, with no knowledge of English, on to the labour market. The first Polish troops being transferred to Britain would be the 2nd. Corps from Italy. The Government had also decided in future to pay Polish troops who, at their own wish, were to be repatriated to Poland, a war gratuity conslsting of a money grant equivalent to not more than eight weeks' pay, in lieu of release leave, and an issue of civilian clothing. The Government would also transfer the families of Polish troops in Italy to the United Kingdom as soon as'possibie. It aimed at the ultimate reunion of all Polish troops with dependants who were now in America, Africa, Germany, and India.

The Trades Union Congress of lhe Employers' Federation, said Mr. Bevin, had agreed to co-operate with the Government in carrying out the plan for the transfer of the Poles to civilian life.

Mr. Churchill asked whether Mr. Bevin would use Polish troops to garrison Germany in parts far removed from the Russian frontier.

Mr. Bevin replied that it would be a very bad thing if the Government entered on a system of foreign legions to meet overseas commitments. Nothing could do more to prevent the establishment of confidence and to accentuate suspicion.