13. Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the representations of His Majesty's Government, any change in the Polish electoral law of last September has been made in order to satisfy His Majesty's Government that the Polish elections to be held on 19th January will be free and unfettered, as guaranteed by the Yalta and Potsdam Agreements.
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir. His Majesty's Government have recently informed the Polish Provisional Government that they would not be able to regard the elections as free and unfettered unless all democratic parties enjoy equal facilities to conduct electoral campaigns freely, without arrest or threat of arrest, and without discriminatory restrictions; and unless all these parties are represented on all Electoral Commissions and other bodies concerned with the elections at all levels. The manner in which these and other necessary conditions of free and unfettered elections are fulfilled will necessarily also affect the views of His Majesty's Government as to the representative character of the election results and of any Government formed as a result of the elections.
Vice-Admiral TaylorHave His Majesty's Government already protested to the Polish Government with regard to the electoral law? Has that electoral law been changed?
§ Mr. MayhewIt is true there are loopholes in the electoral law, but our view is that even more important is the spirit and method in which the law is carried out
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there will be any Opposition supporters left to vote when the elections are actually held?
Vice-Admiral TaylorHave His Majesty's Government taken further steps in order to ensure that this country will fulfil its obligations in the matter of these elections in Poland?
§ Mr. MayhewI think His Majesty's Government's policy is sufficiently well known, and we are carrying it out consistently.