Office of the Historian

860C.00/7–1646: Telegram

The Ambassador in Poland (Lane) to the Secretary of State

secret
Warsaw, July 16, 1946—11 a.m.
[Received July 17—1:40 p.m.]

1090. Summarizing previous reports on referendum of June 30 voting was heavy (up to 90% of electorate in certain districts) generally fair, without intimidation and secret. There was prior general apprehension, however, that counting of ballots would be falsified in favor of Government. This fear has since crystallized into general conviction which is shared by Embassy that such falsification took place. Following is synopsis of factors on which our views are based:

(a)
The only evidence which we have that ballots on referendum were accurately counted and so reported is series of announcements and statements by Government officials including those of chief of [Page 481] press section of Foreign Office that assertions to the contrary are completely unjustified (see B–4 infra).
(b)
The following evidence indicates that balloting on referendum may not have been accurately counted and reported:
(1)
Up to date no conclusive evidence has been presented that Government enjoys more than a very minor support of population. Modzelewski in fact has admitted to British Ambassador that Government has 20% support (in my opinion an optimistic figure, more nearly 10 to 15%).
(2)
Our observers on referendum reporting respecting 12 different regions of country all indicated that sentiment was for “no” vote on first question. Even Government reported large majority no vote in Krakow and a majority no vote in Poznan. Considering that peasant vote is primarily rural and not necessarily urban, it is illogical to assume that Krakow and Poznan returns reflect inaccurate picture of balloting throughout country.
(3)
Assuming that Mikolajczyk has merited reputation of integrity which he generally enjoys, his statement that the election was fraudulent cannot be ignored. The amazing published statement of Barcikowski that Mikolajczyk’s charges of falsification cannot be accepted as the referendum law makes no provision for the filing of such charges, is a patent indication of Government’s guilty conscience. Labor Party (SP) representative also informs us counting of referendum vote fraudulent.
(4)
As Dept is aware reputation for veracity of Government members so low that their statements re honesty of ballot counting must be discounted.
(5)
Mikolajczyk’s charges that despite provisions of referendum law that ballots should be counted at polling places, ballot boxes were removed in many instances, are supported by report from consular officers at Poznan and Krakow.
(6)
Government’s failure to publish break-down of vote by districts and mere announcement of alleged overall total votes on 3 questions cast discredit on counting procedure.
(7)
Almost all members of Diplomatic Corps, even some representing satellite countries, similar Poland, with whom we have talked are convinced that counting and reporting of returns were fraudulent.
(c)
This is my considered opinion that controlling minority intends to remain in power regardless of methods employed whether through the rigging of elections, censorship, political arrests and intimidation or even should it be necessary by the use of force. It likewise appears in harmony with present Soviet policy that this puppet government be retained to carry out Soviet directions. Under such circumstances, one cannot believe that the public has been allowed to make its voice felt in the referendum.

Sent Dept as 1090.

Lane