860C.00/7–346: Telegram
The Ambassador in Poland (Lane) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received 1:17 p.m.]
1010. In interview which Keith had with Mikolajczyk July 2d latter supplied following information:
Mikolajczyk considered referendum had been carried off without any serious disorders.79 However, many PSL members were arrested throughout country past 2 days including 3,000 in Poznan and every member of PSL Wroclaw County Council. Outstanding development is evidence of irregularities in procedure followed subsequent to actual casting of ballots. Irregularities include issuance of orders from high Govt officials, including Security Police, to remove ballot boxes from voting places to District Commissioner’s Hdqs prior to counting of ballots at original voting place as required in accordance with articles of referendum law. This happened in Tarnow Powiat and Mikolajczyk personally telephoned Barcikowski80 protesting action. Latter stated if it were so countermanding instructions would be given. Mikolajczyk stated that actually orders instructing officials to have all voting boxes delivered to Commissioner were issued throughout country but majority of officials may have refused to follow these instructions. He stated that in Bialystok, Bydgoszcz and one of Warsaw districts ballot boxes were removed before vote counted and contrary to referendum law. In certain instances, in one case reported by Socialist Party representative at polling place Security Police threatening with machine guns forced acting officials to surrender ballot box.
Results thus far reported to PSL by its representatives (given by Mikolajczyk to Keith) on voting commissions or other friendly informers have indicated that in Krakow vote has run over 5 to 1 “no” [Page 472] in answer to first question and over 2 to 1 “no” for second question. In southeastern town of Tarnow “noes” lead over 6 to 1 for first question and over 4 to 1 second question. In Poznan voting not quite 4 to 1 “no” first question and slight majority “no” second question. On third question “no” has varied from 10 to 35%.81
Returns published in Govt press thus far have almost unanimously reported large majorities in favor of “yes” answer to all referendum questions.
Mikolajczyk expressed belief that actual number “no” votes would be approximately as follows: first question 85%, second 60%, third 10%. He anticipates, however, that Govt will announce results approximately as follows: “yes” vote first question 60%, second 75%, third 95%.
He states that those opposed to Govt had voted (1) to prove that conditions had enabled holding of referendum without serious disturbances, election could likewise be held; (2) (do they want to take political action by legal means) underground had asked for boycott of referendum; (3) actual participation would make falsification of returns more difficult.
Mikolajczyk stated results have been so contrary to Govt’s wishes that it is seriously concerned by developments.
When Keith inquired what development might next be anticipated Mikolajczyk, obviously delighted by voting results, said that perhaps logical thing for Govt to do would be “to declare a dictatorship” (though Govt could not do so, so he said). Govt know results to be published each day would bring further evidence of irregularities which would increase its difficulties.
Mikolajczyk did not rule out possibility of serious disturbances coming later but he did not appear worried. Stated he knew Security Police had just received orders to be prepared for some drastic action, but elaboration of this was not obtainable.
Mikolajczyk remarked that from experience of procedure followed by Govt in connection with referendum it would be possible to require provisions in the election law which would make it more difficult for Govt to commit irregularities at elections should such be held.
- For an account of the efforts made by the Embassy in Warsaw to observe the June 30 referendum, see Lane, I Saw Poland Betrayed, pp. 241–244.↩
- Waclaw Barcikowski, Vice President of the Presidium of the National Council of the Homeland, and General Referendum Commissioner.↩
- The three questions appearing in the referendum ballot were as follows: 1. Are you in favor of the abolishment of the Senate? 2. Are you for making permanent, through the future Constitution, the economic system instituted by the land-reform and nationalization of the basic industries, with maintenance of the rights of private enterprise? 3. Are you for the Polish Western frontiers as fixed on the Baltic and on the Oder and Neisse? According to telegram 1072, July 12, from Warsaw, the ofiicial results of the referendum published in the press on July 12 were as follows: Of 13,160,451 persons entitled to vote, 11,857,986 voted and 11,530,551 valid ballots were cast; “yes” answers to the first question—7,844,522, to the second question—8,896,105, and to the third question—10,534,697. (860C.00/7–1246)↩