800.4016 D.P./9–1445: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Poland (Keith)
Washington, September 14,
1945—8 p.m.
104. Following are Dept’s views regarding procedure in effecting repatriation Polish displaced persons, liberated POW’s and soldiers in American Zone:
- (1)
- Since repatriation Soviet nationals which had priority now largely completed, voluntary repatriation Poles should proceed as rapidly as possible in order maximum number be returned prior to beginning winter season.
- (2)
- Wherever possible necessary arrangements should be completed on military rather than diplomatic or governmental level in order to save time and expedite repatriation. Experience in handling Soviet repatriation by this method shows it efficient and workable. [Page 1192] US military authorities concerned are in a position to work out with Polish Liaison mission details and procedure of repatriation.
- (3)
- Department’s directives regarding categories of Poles to be repatriated remains unchanged and any change therein is to be made only after consultation and agreement between State and War Department officials at Washington.90
Above is for your information in reply to recent telegram including urtel 15, August 18, 8 p.m.91 and for your guidance in connection with any discussions Polish authorities may initiate with you on subject.
Repeated to Berlin for Murphy.92
Acheson
- See the memorandum by the Chairman of the State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee to the Secretary of State, March 9, vol. v, p. 1075.↩
- Apparently an erroneous reference.↩
- As telegram No. 482.↩