§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)On my way back from Moscow I stopped at Warsaw and saw the Polish Prime Minister and also the Polish Minister for Foreign Affairs. I was glad of this opportunity of meeting the Polish Prime Minister, who has previously visited this country to attend a Socialist Congress. We had a useful and friendly conversation in which 35 we discussed many matters of current interest to our two Governments.
I expressed in the House on 30th April my conviction that it is the duty of all Poles who feel able to do so, to return to Poland to aid in the reconstruction of their country. We shall, of course, continue to do our best for those who cannot return and who decide to stay here, but I am more than ever convinced, from my conversation with the Polish Prime Minister, that Poland has great need of Poles who are able to go back and that the Polish Government genuinely wishes to encourage them to return.
As the result of this conversation I decided to recommend to His Majesty's Government the ratification of the Anglo-Polish Financial Agreement and I am glad to inform the House that His Majesty's Government have now decided that this Agreement shall be ratified. This will, incidentally, facilitate a resumption of trade between Great Britain and Poland.
§ Mr. EdenThe right hon. Gentleman referred to the Anglo-Polish Financial Agreement, amidst approval from hon. Members on the opposite side of the House. As far as I know, I do not think we have ever seen that Agreement. I suppose the House will be informed of its terms before ratification?
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very great contribution towards the promotion of better relations between this country and the countries of Eastern Europe?