740.0011 European War 1939/25995
The Ambassador to the Polish Government in Exile (Biddle) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 24.]
For the President, the Secretary and the Under-Secretary.
Sir: In a very recent talk with General Sikorski, he said he had made firm representations to the Soviet Embassy against continuance of letting down Russian parachutists into Poland. He had pointed out, moreover, that reports from his own secret agents in Poland had emphasized that these parachutists had not limited their efforts to the military field, but had deliberately engaged in political activities among the Polish people. This, the General had emphasized, was contrary to his agreement with M. Stalin; that M. Stalin knew full well that the General was in control of an effective underground organisation in Poland. Therefore, any orders to this organisation had to come henceforth, from him, and not from the Russian authorities.
The General went on to say that the activities of these Russian parachutists had caused him a great deal of concern, since, on several occasions, they had succeeded in inciting a number of Poles to commit unorganised acts of minor bearing against the Germans, with resultant serious reprisals. This was a useless expenditure of life, and it would have to stop. In order to preserve the strength of his underground organisation for maximum effectiveness at the “zero hour”, he must have it understood by the Russians that henceforth any and all orders would emanate from him.
Respectfully yours,