HC Deb 27 May 1946 vol 423 cc831-3
76. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements will be made for the families of those Poles who do not wish to return to Poland, to come to this country, including those which are in Poland.

Mr. McNeil

I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the statement made on 22nd May by my right hon. Friend about Polish families.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

I did not understand that any statement was made in regard to families coming over here. The only question was what is being done for the Polish Armed Forces, and there was nothing about families.

Mr. McNeil

I do not want to be pedantic, but if the hon. and gallant Member reads the statement he will find there is such a reference.

77. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the arrangements made for the personnel in the armed forces who do not wish to return to Poland will also apply to those Polish nationals who, though not in the armed forces, contributed to the national effort on behalf of the Allies.

Mr. McNeil

Membership of the proposed Resettlement Corps will be open only to members of the Polish armed forces under British command. It will not be possible to extend it to other Polish nationals.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Why is there this differentiation between those who served in the Armed Forces, and those who served, for example, in the Embassies?

Mr. McNeil

As the hon. and gallant Member knows, His Majesty's Government have given considerable assistance through the Interim Committee. This assistance cannot be given indefinitely. I would point out that there is a difference between the men who fought, and those who assisted in other ways.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

What is to be the future of these civilians who did an immense amount for the Allied cause? Are they to be sent back to Poland, or what is to be done for them?

Mr. McNeil

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a Question, I will endeavour to give him a reply.

Major Bruce

Will the Under-Secretary ensure that the Spanish Republicans who fought with the British Army are given at least equal treatment?