860C.00/2–2646
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
Mr. Balfour65 requested an appointment to see the Secretary to discuss the Polish situation. Mr. Balfour stated that Lord Halifax66 is away until the end of the week and he wished to get the Secretary’s views rather urgently. He handed the Secretary an Aide-Mémoire67 setting forth several points the British would like clarified.
Mr. Balfour said the British wondered whether the Secretary would be inclined to make a statement on the Polish elections similar to the statement Bevin made on February 20.68
The Secretary pointed out that recent information from Poland makes the situation rather confused. In the last day or two he said he had heard that Mikolajczyk is asking 75 per cent of the positions in the Government. One source stated he is determined he will not [Page 404] participate in the Government and has made these claims knowing they will not be granted.
Mr. Balfour said it would seem they are trying to force him into a single list election.
The Secretary explained that this matter is being considered but that our people are not in complete agreement. The question is whether if Mikolajczyk really does not intend to participate in the Government we should oppose a bloc ticket even though we demanded that voters have the right to vote for anyone they please.
Mr. Balfour said the British do not wish to go that far. They think that would be likely to put them in a difficult position later on.
The Secretary told Mr. Balfour that this morning he had asked that Mr. Matthews69 and Mr. Cohen,70 who have slightly different views on this matter, get together and agree if possible. He remarked that he noted Bevin’s view, stated in the memorandum just handed him, that to state that a single list election would not be free and unfettered would leave us in a bad spot.
Mr. Balfour stated that it might put us in the position of not being able to recognize them if they have a single list election. He said that what his Government hopes the Secretary will do is make a statement soon encouraging them to hold elections on the basis of the 1921 Constitution and as provided in the terms of the Crimea Agreement. He said Mr. Bevin would be pleased if he could find it possible to make such a statement.
The Secretary said he has had in mind making a statement. The differences as to the form of the statement must be compromised and he will then communicate with the British.
Mr. Balfour said he would try to see Mr. Matthews about it tomorrow.
The Secretary showed Mr. Balfour the most recent telegram from Poland regarding the forthcoming elections and said that he did not believe it would be possible to make a statement about a single list, although he agreed that a statement should be made.
- John Balfour, British Chargé.↩
- British Ambassador.↩
- Infra.↩
- For a summary of Bevin’s statement of February 20 to the House of Commons, see numbered paragraph 3 of the British Embassy’s aide-mémoire, infra.↩
- H. Freeman Matthews, Director of the Office of European Affairs.↩
- Benjamin V. Cohen, Counselor of the Department of State.↩