860C.00/7–1546: Telegram
The Ambassador in Poland (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 16—4:15 p.m.]
1085. For the Secretary. From what prominent members of Government, including Berman and Jewish elements tell us, there was a direct connection between Kielce pogrom89 and result of referendum. The Government indicates reactionary elements provoked pogrom to indicate dissatisfaction with their defeat. Majority of Diplomatic [Page 479] Corps and other impartial advisers, however, express view privately that falsification of referendum result was direct reason for outbreak.
While I admit that the referendum result may have been the spark responsible for the Kielce explosion, the underlying cause is, in our opinion, shared by the Jewish community and by responsible American citizens of the Jewish race who are now in Poland, the growing anti-Semitism during the past few months. According to our best Jewish sources, the Jewish people in Poland have little regard for the present Government and resent the implication that the Jews in the Government represent the Jewish people. On the other hand, one of the principal reasons for the increasing hostility towards the Jews, which is evidenced by many acts of violence, including assassinations by anti-Government armed groups, is the estimated opposition of 80 to 90% of the Polish people against the Government and especially against the small, but controlling group, composed of Jews who have received their indoctrination in Soviet Union and who are believed responsible for the repressive measures of the Security Police, the lack of freedom of the press and the present lack of independence of the nation (this group includes Berman, Minc, Modzelewski, Olszewski, Radkiewicz and Gen. Spychalski90).
Embassy observers are unanimous in believing that militia played an important part in Kielce pogrom and members of Government, including Ambassador Lange, have so admitted to me. Antipathy of militia towards Jews probably inflamed by elements within militia and army who resent activities of Security Police and KBW (Korpus Bezpieczenstowa Wewnetrznego—internal security corps headed by Russian General Kiziewicz). Both UB and KBW composed of many Jews of Russian origin.
Government and anti-Government sources inform us and concur (despite some local evidence to the contrary from Kielce) that pogrom was deliberately planned. Government accuses “reactionary elements” and logically cites dissatisfaction with results of referendum. Because of emotional nature of Poles, which often responsible for foolhardy actions, we cannot understand what anti-Government forces could gain by anti-Jewish excesses. In fact, I believe from reliable sources that anti-Government elements have compelled their sympathizers to avoid violence at all costs.
On other hand, we have evidence that Government was aware as early as end of May that disturbance would take place in Kielce. The fact that pogrom was handled by the woyewode Security Police and the militia in such an unbelievably inefficient manner, leads one to wonder whether elements in the Government may not have secretly [Page 480] welcomed the opportunity to be able, both within the country and without, to denounce “reactionary elements”, including Mikolajczyk, the Catholic Church and others dissatisfied with Government program. There have been too many cases which have [come?] to the Embassy’s attention indicating complete disregard of Government for human life and for human liberties to eliminate possibility of governmental connivance merely for humanitarian reasons. From treatment which Polish Jews complained to have received in Soviet Union, Soviet Government, which controls minority group in Polish Government, would likewise not appear squeamish in inflicting cruelties on Jews.
From conversations with Jews, I am convinced that exodus of Jews from Poland will increase until few, if any, are left in country and that they will, through preference, proceed without legal entry documents into American zone of occupation. Dept will appreciate therefore not only increased physical difficulties which this will create for USFET, as well as for our immigration authorities, but also international complications which may result because of possible emigration of unknown quantity of Jews to Palestine.
I regret that it is not possible more definitely to express an opinion as to the elements responsible for Kielce pogrom but it is believed that Dept will be able to infer possibilities from foregoing.
My comments on result of referendum will follow shortly.
Sent Dept as 1085, repeated to USPolAd Berlin as 17 and to Moscow as 121.