HC Deb 18 November 1946 vol 430 cc497-8
22. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Polish Government have yet invited a British delegation to observe the elections due to be held on 19th January next; and whether he is prepared to accept such an invitation.

8. Mr. John McKay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to have additional representatives sent to Poland to watch the election campaign, both before and on the day of the election.

Mr. Mayhew

The Polish Provisional Government have not invited an official mission of British or other foreign nationals to observe the Polish elections and it is not proposed to suggest such a mission.

Professor Savory

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we have at present no British subject as a newspaper correspondent to observe these elections? The only British subject was sent home, and it seems that there is not a single British subject there as a correspondent.

Mr. Mayhew

The Polish Prime Minister stated at the Potsdam Conference, and gave us the assurance, that foreign corre- spondents would be very free to move about Poland at election time, and we certainly hope that this assurance will be carried out.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that the elections in Poland will be very much fairer than the general run of elections in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Astor

Can the Under-Secretary tell the House exactly how the Government will assess the true value of these elections? We recently debated the Bulgarian elections and how are we to assess the value of the forthcoming election in Poland?

Mr. Mayhew

We have our Mission there, and the question of whether extra representatives are necessary at the Embassy is being considered by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Can the hon. Gentleman inform the House how many Opposition leaders have already been assassinated before the elections?

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