HC Deb 20 February 1946 vol 419 cc1129-31
24. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why officers and agents of General Anders's army enjoy freedom to indulge in anti-Soviet activities and propaganda and to interfere in the internal affairs of Italy by associating with the neo-Fascist Vomo Qualunque movement and committing acts of violence against adherents of the Left; why Mihailovitch Chetniks and Yugoslav Royalists are being recruited into his army; on whose authority and for what purpose the army has held large-scale manoeuvres long after the end of the war; and what steps he proposes to take to allay the apprehensions and bad feeling aroused in Poland, Italy and Yugoslavia by the activities of this Polish force.

Mr. Bevin

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to his Questions on this subject on 28th January and 11th February. Every effort is made to prevent activities on the part of members of the 2nd Corps which conflict with the aims of British policy. If my hon. Friend has any concrete evidence of such activities I shall be glad to consider it. As regards the second part of the Question, my hon. Friend will have seen the terms of my communication of 17th February to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Supreme Allied Commander in Italy has stated that the Polish Forces are not making any attempt at all to recruit Yugoslavs; in fact, as I stated in my communication to Mr. Trygve Lie, all recruiting on the part of the Polish Forces has been forbidden for several months on the orders of His Majesty's Government.

As regards the third part of the Question, the recent manoeuvres held in the neighbourhood of Ancona were routine training exercises. The manoeuvres were not on a large scale since the Polish troops are spread throughout the whole length of Italy and are largely occupied on guard duties.

As to the last part of the Question, I hope my communication to Mr. Trygve Lie will have had the effect of allaying apprehensions on this score.

Mr. Zilliacus

Does the reply mean the Government now consider that the conduct of General Anders's officers and troops is satisfactory, because in a recent reply the Government said they were not satisfied that the position was satisfactory? Have the Government changed their minds in this matter?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. This Government is very consistent.

Mr. Mikardo

As my right hon. Friend has said that every effort is being made to stop every act of the Polish Second Corps in contravention of British policy, does not this suggest that my right hon. Friend is having difficulties in this connection, and has he tried stopping the supply of funds to the Second Corps, which is one of their weapons?

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. I am not having any difficulty really. The difficulty I am having is with accusations which are made without any supporting evidence. It is quite easy to make charges as between one country and another, and I can understand it, but I would ask my hon. Friends on this side of the House to appreciate that no Member of this House criticised these men when they fought for us from El Alamein to Italy, and I am not going to be driven into a position whereby I cannot bring about a demobilisation and change in proper conditions. I ask the House sincerely to be as loyal to these men, who were working Polish men, as they are to their political views.