Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972

153. Telegram From the Embassy in Poland to the Department of State¹

Warsaw, November 8, 1971, 1040Z.

3748. Subj: Conversation with Party Chief Gierek.

1. In course Soviet Embassy reception November 6, new Polish Ambassador-designate to US Trampczynski arranged for me to speak with PZPR Chief Gierek. Latter was extremely warm in his comments, toasting the American people, US-Polish ties, and expressing hopes for success of Trampczynskiʼs mission. Gierek dwelt on his desire to expand trade between US and Poland said he was most grateful for Presidentʼs decision to grant license for catalytic cracker.² He was pleased Secretary Volpe had visited Poland and said Prime Minister Jaroszewicz had told him of his extremely interesting talk with Volpe.³ Gierek commented that US and Poland had great historic traditions in common, but that he hoped “new and even better traditions” could be established in future.

2. Observing Gierek and Trampczynski together, it seemed evident that, as we have heard, Trampczynski is well regarded by Gierek and has good personal relationship with him. Gierek stressed in his conversation that Trampczynski would have “direct, personal channel” in reporting to him on matters of special interest.

3. In other conversations during evening, I spoke with Politburo member Tejchma, who reportedly concentrates on foreign affairs field, and with Central Committee foreign affairs expert Ryszard Frelek. Tejchma was forthcoming on US-Polish relations and said he thought prospects were good for improvement in political as well as economic field. Frelek called catalytic cracker decision a “turning point” and forecast important favorable developments in US-Polish relations in next year. He mentioned in particular that visit by US astronauts would be welcome in 1972.⁴

4. Comment. Change in atmospherics is especially striking when compared with similar Soviet reception November 1970, when it was impossible to talk with top leaders and all one could get out of Gomulka was a glum handshake and no comment.

Stoessel

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL POL–US. Confidential.
2. See Document 151.
3. Volpe visited Poland for talks in November 1971. A memorandum of his November 3 conversation Jaroszewicz is in the Department of State, Polish Desk Files: Lot 74 D 440, Volpe Visit.
4. There was no visit by U.S. astronauts to Poland in 1972.