POLAND CAUTIOUS ON BEVIN PLAN FOR EUROPE

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 January 1948, Page 5

POLAND CAUTIOUS ON BEVIN PLAN FOR EUROPE

Recd. 6.20 p.m. London, Jan. 27. After four days of silence the Polish Government has issued a statement on Mr. Bevin’s plan for a western European alliance, and “The Times’ ” Warsaw correspondent says the reserved tone of the statement, in contrast to Moscow’s comments, shows clearly the difficult position in which Poland finds herself. After recalling Poland's official opposition to all blocs, the statement says the Polish Government considers a division of Europe endangers peace and that Mr. Bevin’s idea serves neither the cause of Europe nor the cause of peace. The Polish Gvernment, the statement adds, will entinue its policy of collaborating with all States willing to collaborate with it on a basis ot mutual respect for each other’s interests and sovereignty, and is ready to sign bilateral treaties with any country, including Britain, willing to guarantee immediate assistance in the case of renewed German aggression. The “Times' " Warshaw correspondent comments: "While there is no doubt aqaut the policy the Polish Government will follow as the result of Mr. Bevin’s plan, the restrained form of the Polish statement is taken to indicate a desire not to burn any bridges, and to maintain commercial relations at least with the western democracies as long as possible. There also is a lingering hope in certain Polish quarters that Mr. Bevin’s plan will fail, and that left wingers in Britain may change British policy to one of closer collaboration with ths Soviet Union, when Poland’s roll would also gain in importance.”