279. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Polish Ambassador (Spasowski) and the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Dillon), Department of State, Washington, December 24, 19571
SUBJECT
- Polish Economic Aid and The Moscow Declaration
The Polish Ambassador referred to his previous conversation2 in which he stated that the foreign policy of Poland and its attitude toward the United States had not changed since the events of October 1956. He said that now he spoke with the full authority of his government and had been instructed to confirm officially that the foreign policy of Poland had not changed. In support of this statement he mentioned the remarks of Foreign Minister Rapacki on December 15 to the Polish Parliament. The Foreign Minister explained at that time that Poland was seeking peaceful solutions to world problems and desired cooperation of Poland with countries having different social systems. The Ambassador added that Poland was worried by recent international developments and wanted to avoid a division of the world into two camps.
So far as Polish-American relations were concerned, the present economic negotiations constituted an expression of Polish desire. These negotiations were being conducted in a straightforward manner and all questions were being answered frankly in order to bring about a better understanding of the Polish economic situation. When an [Page 702] agreement is reached after a full exploration of Poland’s needs, this would have a tremendous effect on Poland and on other Eastern European countries as well.
In addition to the general changes which have taken place in Polish foreign policy there have been extensive technical exchanges. These exchanges constitute a good beginning and are very helpful in overcoming misunderstandings. During the past year it is worthy of note that agreements have been entered into between Poland and such American organizations as ING, The Joint Distribution, and CARE. These agreements concluded during 1957 indicate clearly the intention of the Poles to establish closer relations with the United States.
As to the Moscow Declaration, the Ambassador said it was important to note the difference between a Party declaration and a document signed by the Polish Government. The language in the Moscow Declaration is a Party expression. Moreover the language of some of the Parties was different from that used by the Polish Party. Mr. Gomulka has pointed out that there were differences in meaning and in shades of meaning. The true interpretation of the Moscow Declaration from Poland’s point of view was given by Gomulka when he said that there were no strings attached to the Polish negotiations with the US for economic assistance. Mr. Gomulka had found it necessary to emphasize this interpretation and it would be helpful therefore not to draw erroneous conclusions from the Moscow Declaration.
Mr. Dillon said that the statements of the Ambassador had been helpful and what he had said was what we had hoped would be the case. However, it was difficult for us and for the American public to draw a line of distinction between statements of the Party and of the Government in Socialist countries. The same relationship did not exist in the US. Mr. Dillon added that he hoped Poland would have this difficulty in mind in making statements such as those in the Moscow Declaration. However he saw no reason now why we could not proceed with the negotiations.
The Ambassador said that the delay in the current negotiation was causing questions to be asked of the Embassy and he therefore wondered if it would be possible to speed up the present talks. He felt that there was some danger in waiting until Congress reconvened in January.
Mr. Dillon expressed the opinion that there was no reason for concern on these grounds.
The Ambassador then asked if Mr. Dillon felt it would be desirable to make further contacts with Members of Congress. Mr. Dillon replied that he did not feel that this was particularly required but that on a general basis it certainly would do no harm for the Embassy to maintain its contacts with the members of the Congress.