860C.00/7–2046: Telegram
The Ambassador in Poland (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 22—2:19 p.m.]
1123. For the Secretary. Announced result of June 30 referendum Embassy considers clear and decided evidence that present Provisional Government has not wished to countenance honest expression of opinion of Polish people. Now consequent of Govt’s public pronouncement of its recent victory at the polls it is logical to conclude that there is determined intention on part of Govt so to conduct forthcoming elections (now unofficially scheduled for November) as to prevent possibility of Government defeat.
I recommend, therefore, that Dept should consider taking following steps in the very near future: I should be instructed to inform Foreign Minister in writing and Dept should likewise so inform Polish Embassy that while US Government fully realizes it has no responsibility in connection with holding of recent referendum and it hopes any suggestions which it makes in regard thereto will not be misinterpreted US Government has a definite commitment and obligation in re to the holding of free and unfettered elections in Poland under the Yalta and Potsdam decisions. It should be emphasized that the present Polish Provisional Government of National Unity was recognized by the US Government following conversations in Moscow in June 1945 during which Polish leaders agreed to the acceptance of the principles which were formulated at Yalta. Because of the procedure which was employed with respect to the recent referendum in Poland giving rise to charges of serious irregularities in counting of votes US Government feels obliged to invite attention of Polish Govt to very serious situation which would be created if similar procedure should be followed in connection with holding of elections which according to statements made by Polish Government leaders will take place during current year of 1946.
As the Polish Govt is well aware members of the AmEmbassy in Warsaw followed with greatest interest and care the procedure adopted at the June 30 referendum. Although opinion of Embassy staff was virtually unanimous in noting that the procedure in connection with voting was correct and entirely fair, methods used in counting and reporting vote including removal of ballot boxes from polling places in contravention of referendum law created serious doubt as to whether announced result of referendum accurately reflected vote of the electorate.
Therefore US Government wishes to emphasize its belief that no elections in Poland can be freely carried out unless: (a) All parties [Page 483] are allowed to conduct election campaigns freely without arrest or threat of arrest; (b) all parties are represented on all electoral commissions and ballots are counted in presence of representatives of all parties; (c) results will be published immediately by local district; (d) there shall be an adequate system of appealing case of disputed elections.
I am strongly of belief that it would be unwise to accede to Mikolajczyk’s suggestion that Yalta powers should supervise the coming elections. First Soviet and Polish Governments would undoubtedly oppose such a suggestion on ground that it would be a derogation of Polish sovereignty. Second, I doubt whether we could effectively prevent commission of fraudulent electoral practices in country with an electoral population as large as that of Poland unless we were in position to send a large group of trained supervisors. We would assume a responsibility for results which I believe would be unwise policy. In order that it cannot be contended that we are evading our responsibilities under Yalta decision, I suggest that the Secretary may desire to speak to Bevin and Molotov in Paris as to steps which we propose taking in connection with forthcoming elections in light of results of referendum.
Sent Dept as 1123 for the Secretary, repeated Paris for Matthews 213.