Evening star., 1944-12-15

necessary 70 pfeVent IN outpreak
LOT further war.
It is asked. Why cannot all ques-
tions Of territorial changes be left
over to the end Of the war? think
that is most pertinent question,
and it is in fact the answer which
I and the foreign secretary gave In
almost every case that has been
presented to us: They must wait
until the end Of the war So
why should Poland be excepted from
this general rule?
It is only for the Polish advantage
and to avoid great evils which might
occur. Russian armies--I know
nothing of their intentions, but
speaking only of what is obvious to
any one who studies war maps-the
Russian armies will probably during
the early part of next year traverse
large areas of Poland, driving the
Germans before them. II during
those marches fierce quarrels and
fighting break out between large
sections of the Polish population and
the Russian troops, very great suf-
fering which can still be avoided
will infallibly occur and new
poisoned wounds will be inflicted
upon those who must dwell side by
side in peace in confidence and in
good neighborliness.
They must dwell side by side In
peace and friendship if the tran
guilty Of Europe is to be assured,
or the smooth working Of the world
organization for the maintenance of
peace is to be created and main
tanned =. Our British principle
has been enunciated in what have
said: That all territorial changes
must await the conference at the
peace table after victory has been
won. But there is an exception in
principle, and that exception is
changes mutually agreed" 1t must
not be forgotten that words are in
serted in the Atlantic Charter mo
changes before the peace table ex-
cept changes mutually agreed"
Must Reach Agreement.
I am absolutely convinced that it
is in the profound future interest of
the Polish Nation that they should
reach an agreement with the Soviet
government about their disputed
frontier in the east before the march
of the Russian armies through the
main part of Poland takes place 80
I must, however, say that at
that conference we shall adhere to
the line which I am now unfolding
to the House, and shall not hesitate
to proclaim that the Russians are
justly and rightly treated In being
granted the claim they make to the
Eastern frontiers along the Curzon
line as described
We have never weakened in any
way in our resolve that Poland shall
be restored and stand erect as a
sovereign, independent nation, free
to model her social institutions or
any institutions in any way her
people choose: Provided, must say,
that these are not on Fascist lines,
and provided that Poland stands
loyalty as barrier and friend OF
Russia against German aggression
from the West.
In this task. Of course, Poland will
be aided to the full by Russian
British guarantee and assistance and
will also, I cannot doubt-though I
cannot declare-be aided by the
United States of America, acting at
least through the world organization
which We are determined to erect
sss
Wants big Three" Meeting.
I have spoken Of fading hopes and
Of disappointment at the failure to
reach a Russo-Polish agreement.
But there has been another disap-
pointment. 1t has been found i'm
possible to arrange any meeting of
the three great powers. We had good
grounds for believing we might have
met before Christmas. Indeed, /
confidently expected that we should.
So far, however. although the pros
pect is earnestly desired and looked