760C.61/1017: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State
[Received (April 7?)—1:05 p.m.]
255. Your 197, April 5, 6 p.m.92 Summary of memorandum as follows:
Polish-Soviet conversations were discontinued March 18 when Molotov refused to terminate even for the duration of negotiations the Sovietization of Polish citizens and institutions in the Soviet Union. [Page 370] The Polish Government has sent to V. M. Molotov two notes of protest in the premises.
The Polish Government does not see how it can further hide from Polish and world public opinion the true situation in the Soviet Union as affecting the Poles. It fully realizes the harmful impression for the Allies the revelation of these facts would have on world opinion and especially on countries oppressed by Germany. It has therefore decided before making final decision to consult the British and American Governments in order to study with them possibilities and conditions of their intercession in Moscow.
To be acceptable, this intercession should endeavor to establish the following points.
- (1)
- The small number of persons whose Polish citizenship has been recognized by the Soviet Government such as inhabitants of the western and central provinces of Poland who were in 1939 in eastern Poland are not included in the intercession and will continue to be under the care of the Polish Embassy.
- (2)
- The question of citizenship of all other Poles in the Soviet Union who were Polish citizens up to September 1939, is left open for the time being.
- (3)
- Among those persons mentioned in paragraph (b) [(2)?] the following should have the
right to leave Russia.
- (a)
- Orphans and children for whom parents cannot provide a living.
- (b)
- Families whose supporters are outside of Russia.
- (c)
- Certain agreed upon persons.
An international or American organization such as the Red Cross to be established to take care of the departure of the above-mentioned persons and of those remaining who up to now have been receiving aid from the Polish Embassy. Such organization to take over all Polish welfare work in the Soviet Union.