HC Deb 05 March 1946 vol 420 cc35-6W
88. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for War approximately what pro portion of the Polish Second Corps under General Anders' command today have fought on the side of His Majesty's Forces; how many served in the Todt organisation, the Wehrmacht or the Waffen S.S.; and whether he will publish the results of the inquiry conducted last January by the Polish general staff in London which revealed that in the opinion of their unit commanders the great majority of the Poles, formerly in Ger man service and recruited into General Anders' army, are of low military value and Nazi in outlook.

Mr. Lawson

The majority of the Polish Second Corps as at present constituted, fought beside British Forces during the war. 1 regret that the information asked for in the second part of the Question is not readily available and could not be obtained without a considerable amount of research. I am informed that no inquiry of the nature stated by my hon. Friend in the last part of his Question has ever been held.

89. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Polish Second Corps under the command of General Anders, which consisted of an infantry division and an armoured division when hostilities in Europe ceased, now comprises two infantry divisions, an armoured division and an armoured brigade; approximately, how many of these postwar reinforcements have been recruited from prisoners of war of Polish nationality, and how many are Yugoslav Ustashy or Chetniks.

Mr. Lawson

When hostilities in Europe ceased, the Polish Second Corps in Italy contained two infantry divisions and one armoured division; in addition there was one armoured brigade of this Corps in the Middle East for training purposes. This armoured brigade returned to Italy in October, 1945, in order to simplify administration. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.