860C.00/8–3046: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Poland (Lane)
850. Following statement released press by PolEmb Washington, Aug 27:
“Note delivered by American Amb to Pol, Lane, to PolFonOff Warsaw week ago took PolGov surprise. Note that kind not expected and nothing this moment warranted delivery such note.
“These facts explain that PolGov not yet officially answered note which needs thorough study and attentive consideration.
“But already can be stated authoritatively note being regarded by PolGov as infringement Pol’s sovereign rights, and interference her internal affairs.
“American note refers to American responsibility assumed Crimea and Potsdam Conferences, but both Agreements contain nothing more than acknowledgement by Great Powers that PolGov intends hold free, unfettered elections.
“PolGov many occasions officially reaffirmed it has agreed holding free, unfettered elections soon possible on basis universal suffrage and secret ballot in which all democratic and anti-Nazi parties right take part and put forward candidates.
“Representatives allied press enjoy, according Potsdam Agreement, full freedom report to world developments in Pol before and during elections. This freedom emphasized recently by many reports sent American correspondents in Pol to their papers.
“But, no provisions whatsoever these agreements for supervision Pol Electoral Law or Pol party politics.
“Electoral Law will be definitely decided by Home National Council in Warsaw at forthcoming sessions beginning Aug 31. From what already known about drafting Electoral Law by special commission of Council, it will be no less democratic than in many western countries, including U.S.A. Attempt in American note express an opinion on provisions future electoral law absolutely not accordance Yalta and Potsdam Agreements nor with rights any sovereign state.
“American Gov had several months official knowledge elections will be held in 1946, probably in fall. No new official notification forwarded American Gov last weeks or days warrant sudden resuming public discussion this question. Establishing date elections entirely [Page 494] internal affair Pol, and comes within authority forthcoming session Home National Council.
“Note American Gov on this question seems imply American Gov learned about forthcoming elections from vague reports. Statement July 29, British Minister of State, Noel-Baker, ‘Terms Crimea and Potsdam Agreements do not provide foreign supervision elections and there been no discussions with PolGov on this subject’. Present American note not only attempt institute such foreign supervision before elections, but open interference with completely internal party politics in Pol and is taking sides with Pol political life by giving open diplomatic support those parties known in disagreement with views and decisions on election problem by majority Gov coalition. As far as these party politics concerned, allegations contained American note all more surprising because completely anonymous. Note phrased such terms, ‘have given rise to charges,’ ‘it has been brought to the attention,’ ‘my Gov has learned,’ ‘according reliable information,’ etc. Without precedent in international relations that a government bases legally unwarranted diplomatic intervention into internal affairs another sovereign state on rumors and unsubstantiated allegations for which no proof whatsoever being quoted in note.”
Repeated London 6379 and Moscow 1582.