HC Deb 29 July 1946 vol 426 cc501-2
22. Mr. John McKay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any date has been fixed for free elections in Poland; what authority exists under the Yalta Agreement for the British Government and the U.S. Government to supervise such elections and so to arrange that the votes are counted correctly; and if there has been any consultation with the Polish Provisional Government on this matter of procedure and the counting of votes.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In a note addressed to His Majesty's Ambassador on 29th April, the Polish Provisional Government informed His Majesty's Government that elections would be held during the autumn of this year. The terms of the Crimea and Potsdam Agreements do not provide for foreign supervision of the elections, and there have been no discussions with the Polish Provisional Government on the subject.

Mr. McKay

Does my right hon. Friend consider, taking into account the conditions that exist in Poland, that the various parties have had a fair opportunity of expressing their opinions, and does he think that, if there is no proper supervision by our Government in this matter, the voting can be a reverse to the Provisional Government?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We have no right under any existing agreement to propose international supervision. If the Polish Government or the parties in Poland asked for it, that would be a different matter.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in view of the declaration of Yalta that the Polish elections should be free and unfettered, His Majesty's Government will make it perfectly clear to the Polish Government that if they are not free and unfettered His Majesty's Government will not be best pleased?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We have done that many times already.

Lieut. - Commander Joynson - Hicks

Have His Majesty's Government received any sort of assurance at all from the Polish Government?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, we have received assurances.