Anglo-Polish Relations

HC Deb 16 December 1968 vol 775 cc866-7

32. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Anglo-Polish relations.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Anglo-Polish relations have been set back by the participation of Poland in the invasion of Czechoslovakia. It remains our wish that these relations should develop as fully and constructively as possible. But this depends on mutual confidence, and it is primarily for those who have dispelled this to restore it.

Mr. Moonman

Would my right hon. Friend consider making representations to the Polish Government stressing our anxiety about the student trials which are about to take place and suggesting that the policy is not only the discreditable to that nation but a further element in the dangerous situation between the East and West?

Mr. Roberts

It is not our practice as a Government to make representations about the internal affairs of another Government, and, indeed, it would be counter productive in a case like this for us to do so. But we lose no opportunity, especially through out representative at the United Nations, of condemning such discriminatory practices.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the great mass of the Polish people are as shocked at what happened in Czechoslovakia as people in this country are?

Mr. Roberts

I am sure that is so.