HC Deb 16 November 1949 vol 469 c2018
35. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protest he has made to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in respect of the appointment of a Russian marshal, namely, Marshal Rokossovsky, by Marshal Stalin as Minister of Defence for Poland, constituting a breach of the agreement reached at Yalta between His Majesty's Government, the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the sovereign independence of Poland.

Mr. Bevin

I do not consider that the Yalta Agreement gives His Majesty's Government status for intervening in this matter, and no protest has been made.

Mr. Blackburn

Is it not a fact that on more than one occasion Stalin has specifically guaranteed the sovereign independence of Poland, and, surely, the appointment of a Russian marshal—and in particular the marshal who was responsible for the delay of the Soviet troops in front of Warsaw, and, therefore, the destruction by the Germans of the gallant Polish underground movement—interferes with the sovereign independence of Poland?

Mr. Bevin

I cannot object to the Polish Government inviting a native of Poland to go to command their troops. That is not my business.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that this marshal is the Pole who put the Germans up the pole?