860C.20/11–2845: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Poland (Lane)
367. Dept has given consideration to the questions raised in your 612, November 28, relative to plight of Poles who have returned to their homeland from the west.
Dept feels that it is in our interest to encourage as many Poles as possible to return in order to assist in reestablishing a free, democratic Gov. Mikolajczyk for the same reason also expressed the hope that as large numbers as possible could return. Moreover, the PolGov has expressed a desire on many occasions to have all Poles from the west [Page 436] returned. So there is no disagreement as to objectives. On the other hand, apart from information contained urtel under reference re treatment accorded Poles on their return, Dept has noted information contained in Berlin’s 110 to you of December 1317 indicating considerable emigration from Poland due to alleged ill treatment by Pol authorities.
It is suggested, therefore, that you take a suitable opportunity orally to express to PolGov the following views: US Gov desires in every way to facilitate and encourage all Poles in areas under its control to return to Poland. Practical difficulties arise in carrying out the repatriation program because of reports being circulated alleging mistreatment of Poles who have already returned to Poland. Effective action on part of US authorities to assist in this matter would be greatly facilitated if PolGov would give straightforward assurances backed by a cleancut public statement that all Poles returning from abroad would be welcomed as loyal citizens and accorded equal opportunities and given same privileges as their countrymen who remained in the country during the war. You might add that since a considerable number of Poles have been able to make their way from Poland into the American zone in Germany for the alleged reason that they were in jeopardy if they remained in the country, it would be desirable from the point of view of the PolGov to make a categoric statement that any persons returning will be accorded equitable treatment.
Dept does not feel that it would be advisable at this time to tie in this suggestion with information you have received regarding terrorist acts allegedly committed against Poles returning from the west. You might at a later date let it be known that reports of this kind have reached you which, whether true or not, are not conducive to encouraging Poles to return from abroad.