860C.01/6–2345: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:05 p.m.]
2233. Polco. ReEmbtel 2218, June 21, 12 midnight repeated London as 311. In view of the importance of Thursday’s meeting I desire to submit a fuller account to supplement my earlier telegram.36
[Page 355]Clark Kerr who was in the chair in accordance with the agreed rotation of chairmen opened the meeting by reviewing the terms of the Yalta formula. He recalled that three steps in the Yalta agreement provided for (1) the invitation to Poles from various groups for consultation (2) the establishment of provisional govt of national unity and (3) the holding of free and unfettered elections in Poland.
He then expressed satisfaction that Poles had reached agreement among themselves and asked Bierut for a report. Bierut read statement which had been agreed upon by all the Poles outlining proposed reorganization of provisional govt in manner already reported. In reply to Clark Kerr’s question Bierut described functions of Polish National Council as supreme legislative organ and of Council’s Presidium which functions as interim legislative organ between regular Council sessions.
Asked for his views Mikolajczyk expressed his agreement with settlement reached and his confidence that it was one of best paths to free and independent Poland. He said it would assure participation in govt of great democratic parties and masses of Polish people. Mikolajczyk called for close relations with Soviet Union, treaties of alliance with Britain and France and sincere friendship and cooperation with the United States as well as collaboration with all Slav peoples. He said that in joining the Govt of National Unity he understood he and his colleagues acquired right to advance claim of Polish nation to western boundaries envisaged by Yalta Conference and for earliest possible return to Poland of democratic Poles. He asked Bierut to confirm his understanding that inclusion of Popiel in Govt had not been excluded as possibility and that National Council would be widened on basis of proportional representation and participation of all democratic parties.
In reply Bierut made a long statement asking great powers to support in principle Polish demands on western boundaries. Bierut also confirmed Mikolajczyk’s understanding on possibility of including Popiel and broadening of National Council.
At this point Clark Kerr said he desired to reassure Bierut on two points. Speaking as British Ambassador he said Bierut and his colleagues might rest assured that as soon as new Govt was established British Govt would recognize it and appoint an Ambassador in Warsaw. He added that he understood his Soviet colleague presented no problem in this matter and requested my views. I felt that Clark Kerr was proceeding with undue haste and limited myself to the statement that the Crimea decision stood and that the American Govt would determine its position when the new Govt was formed. I gave assurance that the news that agreement had been reached between the Poles themselves would be welcomed in Washington.
[Page 356]Molotov confirmed Clark Kerr’s views about the Soviet attitude pointing out that his Govt recognized Provisional Govt and would continue friendly relations with the new Govt. Soviet Govt would welcome formation of new Govt and render it every support.
On Bierut’s second point concerning western boundaries Clark Kerr assured Bierut that when new Govt was formed British Govt would be prepared to consult with it on this point. He added that British Govt would regard Polish claims with sympathy. He reminded Bierut that Yalta formula provided for decision of boundary question at peace conference but advised Osubka-Morawski to raise question as soon as new Govt was constituted.
Molotov said that Soviet Govt’s attitude on western boundaries was based on Crimea decision. His Govt considered that Polish claims to Oder Neisse Line were fully justified and well founded.
When asked by [my] views I said I had nothing to add to the terms of the Crimea decision.
Clark Kerr then asked various of the other Poles to lay their views before the Commission. A number of them spoke, all pledging support to the new Govt of National Unity and urging friendly relations between Poland and the three great powers. They emphasized the difficulties facing the new Govt and need for outside assistance.
Clark Kerr said he had not called on other representatives of the Provisional Govt for their views since he assumed they were in agreement with Bierut. Osubka-Morawski at this point asked permission to speak and put forward the claims of Poland regarding repatriation of Poles, participation in Reparations Commission and participation on War Crimes Commission which were the subject of his telegram to United States Govt reported in Depts 1346 June 19, 7 p.m. Clark Kerr pointed out that these matters did not fall within competence of Commission and Molotov while expressing sympathy for Osubka-Morawski’s request and suggesting that they be referred to their Govts by Commission members supported him. Clark Kerr stated that he would refer Osubka-Morawski’s request to his Govt and recommend that they be given sympathetic consideration. I made no commitment.
Clark Kerr said he should like to be able to inform his Govt that parties had pledged themselves to maintain agreement until elections were held. Molotov had no comment and I propounded a similar question pointing out that I did not refer to future changes in ministerial posts but to observance of the basic principles of agreement reached between parties. In reply Bierut said that agreement having been reached they would strive to achieve lasting unity, hold free elections and broaden the legislative organs along the lines agreed to. [Page 357] Mikolajczyk subscribed to this statement on behalf of his party and said he felt he expressed opinion of other parties as well.
I emphasized importance we attach to participation of Christian Labor Party in new Govt and then raised question of assurances of freedom of assembly and freedom of discussion during election campaign and the proposal for amnesty for persons charged with political offenses. Before giving Bierut a chance to answer my questions Molotov stated he did not wish to discuss future activities of new Govt but expressed his confidence on basis of agreement already reached that it would find correct solution for problems which it faced. He again stated that new Polish Govt would enjoy full confidence of Soviet Govt, confidence in democratic forces of new Poland and in their abilities and possibilities. Clark Kerr said his Govt would approach new situation in same spirit as Soviet Govt and would treat new Govt with fullest confidence. He also associated himself with my plea for broadminded understanding and generosity. Bierut taking his lead from Molotov limited his reply to generalities expressing his confidence that the Poles would be able to solve all the difficult problems facing them in the spirit of the agreement.
Remainder of meeting was devoted to discussion of press release concerning agreement reached.39 It was decided that the Poles would redraft their statement today and that text of press release would be worked out before Commission meeting the following evening. Report on this meeting will follow.
Sent Dept 2233 repeated London for Winant and Schoenfeld 316.