Evening star., 1947-01-28
U.S.SawPoIand
Broke Pledge Of
Free Elections
Diplomatic Relations
Will Be Maintained
For Time Being
By 6ornett D. Herner

The United States today for
mally charged the Polish pro-
visional government with failure
"to carry out it's solemn pledges"
for free elections, but made clear
this does NOT mean any imme-
diate break in diplomatic rela-
tions.
while retaining full liberty of
action to determine its future atti-
tude toward the government of
Poland" the State. Department said,
this Government will continue to
keep itself informed of develop
ments in Poland through its diplo-
matte mission in Warsaw
In response to questions by re-
porters Michael j. McDermott,
State Department press officer, said
this means there is no break now
in relations with Poland, but that
he Cannot forecast the future"
Marshall Approves Statement.
The official statement, issued after
personal approval by Secretary of
State Marshall, said reports re-
ceived from the American Embassy
in Poland confirmed the fears
which this Government had ex-
pressed that the election would not
be free" in the Polish voting jan
uary 10.
1t is clear from these reports, the
statement added, that the Polish
provisional government employed
widespread measures" of coercion
and intimidation against democratic
elements which were loyal to Poland
although not partisans of the gov
ernment bloc"
an these circumstances the
United States Government cannot
consider that the provisions of the
Yalta and Potsdam agreements have
been fulfilled"
No Desire to Intervene.
The statement emphasized that
the United States "has no desire
to intervene in the internal affairs
of Poland" 1t pointed out, how
ever, that this government had
Joined with Britain and Russia in
the Yalta and Potsdam agreements
In an effort "to secure for the long
suffering Polish people the oppor-
tunity to select a government of
their own choosing"
It added that the Big Three deci-
sions regarding free elections in Po-
land were accepted by the Polish
provisional government and asserted:
1.-The United States Government
considers that the Polish provisional
government has failed to carry out
its solemn pledges"
The United States, the statement
added, firmly intends to maintain
its interest in the welfare of the
Polish people"
Official Results Not Announced.
Official results of the election have
not been announced, but unofficial
returns have shown big majorities
for the Communist dominated gov
ernment bloc.
Mr.. McDermott said the state
ment issued today had not been
communicated previously to any
other government.
The election results are to be an
nounced formally January 81 and
the new government will take over
some time after that. When it does
so, the United States evidently will
have to review its Polish policies
and determine whether to maintain
or break relations.
The State Department recalled
that 1t had sent Poland notes of
protest against denials of political
freedom on August 10, November %
and January 9. The British Govern
ment also protested, but the Soviet
Government rejected an American
proposal that it do likewise.
Fears Confirmed.
The State Department said today:
'"Tne reports received from the
United States Embassy in Poland in
the period Immediately prior to the
elections as well as it's subsequent
reports based upon the observations
of American officials who visited a
number of Polish voting centers con-
firmed the fears which this Gov
ernment had expressed that the
election would not be free.
These reports were corroborated
by the general tenor of the dis
(See POLAND, Page A-3)