760C.61/2127: Telegram
The Chargé Near the Polish Government in Exile (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24—4:53 p.m.]
Polish Series [No.] 92. Prime Minister Mikolajczyk informs me that in recent conversations, Eden has indicated to him that at the Tehran Conference Molotov indicated willingness to work out the question of the resumption of Soviet-Polish relations. Molotov’s idea was that this might be accomplished through Polish adherence to the recently concluded Czechoslovak-Soviet Pact of Friendship, Mutual Assistance and Postwar Cooperation (reported in my Czechoslovak Series 16, December 1362).
Molotov was also reported as taking the position that the Soviet Government objected strongly to General Sosnkowski as Commander in Chief of the Polish forces and the implication was that a change was desirable there.
Eden did not press Mikolajczyk for any decisions at this time. On the contrary he suggested that before coming to any decisions he wait until Mr. Churchill’s return to London about mid-January.
On this point Eden touched on the question of the possible postponement of the date of Mikolajczyk’s contemplated trip to the United States (referred to in my 91, December 18, 5 p.m.). Mikolajczyk stressed the importance he attaches to keeping to the schedule of his visit but I understand the British may inquire whether a later date will be equally convenient to the President.
Mikolajczyk’s disposition is not only to withhold decisions until he sees Churchill but also until he has been in Washington.