Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: Political and Economic Matters, Volume II

740.00119 Control (Germany)/8–2245

The British Chargé (Balfour) to the Secretary of State

No. 406

His Majesty’s Chargé d’Affaires presents his compliments to the Secretary of State and has the honour to refer to the Department’s note of August 14th on the subject of the maintenance and future repatriation of Polish displaced persons in the American and British zones of occupation in Germany.

2. Since the date of this Embassy’s note of August 4th on the same subject His Majesty’s Government have learned:

(a) That the repatriation of Soviet citizens from Germany is expected to be completed by the end of August and will leave the field free for the military government to begin the repatriation of Poles.

(b) It is estimated that no less than 378,000 of approximately 500,000 Poles at present held in displaced persons camps in the British zone are willing to go home now. This number is far greater than was expected at this early stage.

3. The effect of the above two developments and of the very serious disorders which have occurred among displaced Poles in Germany is to make the repatriation of those Poles who are ready to go, the immediate essential. For this purpose His Majesty’s Government think that the procedure proposed in paragraph 6 of this Embassy’s note of August 4th is likely to be cumbersome and to involve protracted delay. It is held that fullest advantage will have to be taken of the two months or less during which the military government will be able to repatriate these Poles before the winter starts, and immediate arrangements for repatriation must therefore be put in hand.

4. On reconsideration His Majesty’s Government consider that direct contact with the Soviet authorities over arrangements for repatriation is unavoidable as they will in any case be brought into the matter by the Polish authorities. His Majesty’s Government have therefore decided that the speediest way of arranging for the repatriation of the 378,000 Poles who are prepared to go would be to invite the Soviet Government and the Polish Provisional Government to send representatives to an “ad hoc” Four Power meeting in Berlin to discuss transit through the Soviet zone and reception in Poland respectively.

5. In view of the large number volunteering to return, His Majesty’s Government no longer see any objection to asking displaced Poles whether they wish to return within, say, one month, provided it is made clear that they are not being asked to make a final decision one way of [or] the other now. The segregation of returning Poles would take place in transit camps as a stage in the process of repatriation and it would almost certainly be necessary for them to come under the control of officers appointed by the Polish Provisional Government before being moved into the Soviet zone. Any such arrangements as may be necessary would arise out of the meeting in Berlin mentioned above.

6. The question of access by representatives of the Polish Provisional Government to Poles not yet volunteering for repatriation will have to be considered when the Polish Provisional Government demand that right, as they undoubtedly will do. In view of the recent resolution of the UNRRA Council of [Europe?] regarding UNRRA’s responsibilities in respect of displaced persons it would appear in principle impossible to deny the Polish Provisional Government access to Polish displaced persons remaining in Germany for the purpose of persuading them to return to Poland. It remains however to be decided when and under what conditions such access shall be allowed.

7. General Robertson, Field Marshal Montgomery’s⁸⁰ Chief of Staff, proposes to discuss the matter on the above lines with his United States colleague, General Clay,⁸¹ and to invite the latter’s agreement with the proposal that a Four Power meeting should be held in Berlin as soon as possible to discuss means of repatriating willing Poles at once. In the changing circumstances His Majesty’s Government do not propose to pursue the matter through the diplomatic channel since direct contact between the military authorities in Germany seems more practicable. His Majesty’s Government are in any event anxious to avoid the whole question of displaced persons in Germany becoming the subject of discussions in the Control Council and suggest that the outcome of discussions between General Robertson and General Clay should be awaited in the first instant.

Washington, August 22, 1945.

80. Field Marshal Sir Bernard L. Montgomery, Commander in Chief, British Forces of Occupation in Germany.
81. Lt. Gen. Lucius D. Clay, Deputy Military Governor, United States Zone in Germany.