811.001 Truman, H. S./5–1447: Telegram
The Chargé in Poland (Keith) to the Secretary of State
751. Upon receipt Dept’s instruction 977 April 131 informed Chief of Protocol of my desire to deliver President’s letter of [to] President Bierut in manner which latter desired. On May 11 I was notified that Bierut would receive me May 13. After presenting letter which Bierut did not attempt to read in my presence I mentioned that if he ever had any matter which he wished to discuss with me I hoped he would let me know. He thanked me and assured me that when I too wished to see him, he would always be glad to see me. After brief pause he recommenced conversation by remarking that relations between Poland and US were not too happy. He then continued that Polish people were sorry Secretary had taken stand which he had about Polish frontiers; that Poland had fought two wars against aggressors for the same aims: Freedom, democracy and lasting peace; that he did not feel it should suffer as a consequence of the role it had played, that Poland was 80,000 square kilometers less in territory since eastern frontier was agreed upon at Yalta; that if it lost western territories it would be unable to live a safe country. He then alluded to friendly ties which had existed between Poland US recalling how Poles had fought in Revolutionary War.
In course of our conversation I assured him US Govt desired have relations as satisfactory with all countries as was possible; that I knew that any opinion expressed by Secretary was based upon desire that there should be peace and prosperity for all peoples including Poles; [Page 430] that Secretary was backed by the American people in his effort to obtain such goals. I added that I recognized that there were differences in points of view between different countries at times but that an understanding of one another was aided when there was a full expression in the press of the views held by a govt. Bierut inquired if I thought that a full account of such matters was not contained in the PSL [Polish?] press.
I replied that at many times there were only excerpts of statements by the President or other high govt officials. I thanked Bierut for his having expressed his thoughts frankly to me and remarked that while we might not agree on all matters I believed that more would be accomplished whenever reasons for differences of opinion were made clear. Bierut thanked me for coming and his attitude was cordial and in good humor throughout.
- Not printed; it directed that the
following letter from President Truman, dated April 18, be delivered
to President Bierut:
“I have received the formal communication of February fifth last in which Your Excellency informed me of your assumption, on that date, of the Presidency of the Republic of Poland, as well as the personal letter dated February twentieth which you were good enough to send me.
“I am grateful for your expression of appreciation for the humanitarian assistance which this country has extended to Poland and I reciprocate your wish for the continuance of the traditional friendship between the United States and Poland. It was because of the deep feeling of sympathy which has always bound the Polish and American peoples that recent developments in Poland have caused such profound and widespread concern to the people of the United States.
“I can assure you that in its relations with Poland the Government of the United States will continue to be motivated by its concern for the welfare of the Polish people who contributed so heroically to the victory over the common enemy.” (811.001 Truman, H. S./4–1847)
↩