HC Deb 26 February 1947 vol 433 cc2051-3
23. Professor Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Janush Kazimierezak has been condemned in Warsaw to eight years' imprisonment by the military tribunal for having acted as interpreter to Mr. Derek Selby, correspondent of the "Sunday Times" who was ordered to leave Warsaw in violation of the Yalta and Potsdam agreements; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is aware of the outcome of this case. As Kazimierczak is a Polish citizen, no formal action would be appropriate.

Professor Savory

But in view of the Yalta and Potsdam agreements, how is it possible for British correspondents to carry out their duties if their interpreters are being perpetually arrested?

Mr. Mayhew

This man is a Polish citizen; and it is not for us to express an opinion on a decision of the Polish courts.

Mr. Wilfrid Roberts

How many interpreters attached to the British Embassy or to Press correspondents have now been arrested by the Provisional Government?

Mr. Mayhew

I cannot say without, notice. We are, of course, very much concerned at what may well be a restriction on the free work of journalists in Poland, but, as I have explained, it is not a case in which we can rightly interfere.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this man got a fairer trial than a nationalist would get in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Eden

Is the position quite as the hon. Gentleman has described it? If this Question is accurate, and the man has been arrested for working for a British journalist, though he may be a Polish subject, there are, surely, grounds upon which some representations could be made?

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir. I think there is a distinction in this case, and since this man is a Polish citizen we should, in this particular case, be wrong to make representations.

Mr. Solley

Can my hon. Friend say whether it is true that Mr. Selby, together with other British correspondents, was warned by the Polish Government not to inveigle interpreters into making contacts for them with the underground, as the consequences, as far as the interpreters were concerned, would be very serious?

Mr. Mayhew

That is another question. I would not like to answer it without notice.

Professor Savory

Is not the result of this to compel British newspapers to employ Poles as correspondents, and that since those Poles are completely under the control of the Polish Government, it is impossible for us to get independent evidence from Poland?

Mr. Mayhew

We have to keep a balance in these things. We have made representations in cases of this kind, but this was a decision of a Polish court in which we have no right to interfere.