HC Deb 11 June 1947 vol 438 c1050
13. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in view of the fact that the Polish Government has withdrawn Polish citizenship from a number of senior Polish officers who had made outstanding contributions to the Allied war effort, and that these officers cannot therefore be expected to, follow the recommendation of His Majesty's Government that all Poles in this country and in the British zones of Germany and Austria ought to go back to Poland, what provision is being made for the future of these officers.

Mr. Bevin

The offer of His Majesty's Government to assist members of the Polish armed forces unable to return to Poland to re-settle here or overseas applies to these as to other officers and men.

Professor Savory

Has the right hon. Gentleman received an assurance that these Polish officers and soldiers who have joined the Resettlement Corps will not be deprived of their Polish nationality, because many of them are under that impression?

Mr. Bevin

I have been assured by the Prime Minister of Poland that, if these men return to Poland, not only their nationality but all their rights will be secure. Having regard to both the character and the work of these men I do earnestly hope they will return.

Major Beamish

Does that reply refer also to the 75 senior officers specially named by the Polish Government as having had their citizenship withdrawn?

Mr. Bevin

I should not like to commit myself on that. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a Question I will look into it.