860C.24/3–1446: Telegram
The Ambassador in Poland (Lane) to the Secretary of State
most immediate
[Received March 15—5:53 p.m.]
353. Deptel 168, March 8, 2 p.m. I am grateful to the Dept for clarifying the situation with respect to the Export Import Bank credit [Page 413] and the credit for the purchase of surplus war materials in Europe. In the latter connection we have received telegram from Virden85 at Paris indicating intention to have Army Colonel stationed in Warsaw as representative Central Field Commissioner for Europe for purpose intensifying their working arrangements with Polish Govt.
This Embassy has not been informed of the actual establishment or the terms of the 50 million dollar credit for purchase of surplus war materials. Granted, however, that some agreement has been concluded under which materials are now being delivered I should like again to emphasize that because of conditions existing at this particular time it is highly desirable that further utilization of this credit should not be facilitated. It is obvious that the Polish Govt will publicize the receipt from US of any material as has already been the case to indicate that we are giving the Govt support. This will be a great blow to the Polish people who are urging US in both signed and anonymous letters to uphold the principles of Yalta and to put an end to the terrorism which is going on (mytels 231 and 232 of Feb 22 and 306 of March 786). The Dept will appreciate in view of the general situation here, which I am describing below, that any stand which we take with regard thereto would greatly lose its force if simultaneously news of our granting a credit to Poland were announced. I earnestly hope, therefore, that Dept will take steps so that the Colonel representing Central Field Commissioner for Europe may be instructed in case he proceeds to Warsaw at this time to confine his activities to informing me of details of arrangements consummated and under discussion and not to take matters up with Polish Govt without my consent.
I cite following instances which have happened within past few days in political situation.
- 1.
- Temporary arrest of a group of PSL members during the time meeting of March 10 was being held to prevent their attendance.
- 2.
- Surrounding and searching PSL Headquarters March 12 as reported mytel 338, March 13, 5 p.m.87
- 3.
- Increasing reports of movements of Soviet-Polish troops and mechanized equipment.
- 4.
- Attempts made to prevent circulation of Gazeta Ludowa organ of PSL. Vice Consul Krakow reports impossible to purchase paper in that city and we can no longer obtain our copy through subscription as formerly.
- 5.
- Increasing number of arrests principally of former members of Armija Krajowa.88
While it may be contended that we have no cause to protest until it is actually proved that free elections have not been held, I feel strongly that we should protest now that the holding of free elections is being made impossible by the repressive measures taken by the Government against free expression of opinion. British Ambassador and I feel that the moment has come for our two governments to make representations through identical notes. The Soviet Government will undoubtedly refuse to join with US but in order to avoid a protest, as in the case of Bulgaria, I feel that it would be advisable to inform Soviet Government prior to despatch our communications.
The foregoing has been discussed with British Ambassador who is communicating with his Government in the sense of the immediately preceding paragraph.
Sent Dept as 353, repeated London as 55 and Moscow as 35.