760C.61/992: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 21—8:16 p.m.]
906. Embassy’s 871, October 10, 11 a.m. [p.m.] The Polish Minister Counselor tells me that the Foreign Office has informed him that of the 109 polish relief workers still under arrest 15 have been found not guilty and are being released, 78 have been found guilty of offenses serious enough to warrant immediate deportation and 16 have been found guilty of such serious crimes that they are being turned over to the courts for prosecution. The Foreign Office added that it considers the matter of arrested Polish relief workers “closed” so far as Polish-Soviet relations are concerned. The Counselor says that nevertheless the Polish Embassy will endeavor to bring about the deportation either before or after trial of the 16 workers under detention one of whom is a woman. He adds that even though the relief system has been almost completely destroyed the Embassy is endeavoring to carry on relief work where it is needed most and is succeeding to some extent.
The new Ambassador86 who has not yet presented his credentials says that he is inclined to be encouraged at the decision to release and deport so many of the workers and he is hopeful that this decision forecasts a more liberal attitude on the part of the Soviet Government. He on his part intends to adopt a policy of conciliation and to make all reasonable concessions in an effort to bring about really friendly cooperation between the Polish and Soviet Governments.
- Tadeusz Romer.↩