POLES AND THE BLACK MARKET SIR,—A few weeks ago a
number of newspapers reported about a visit to the Polish army in High Ash and stated that the English authorities found there a quantity of black-market articles and jewellery. On 1st July, 1947, Mr Bellenger, the Secretary for War, denied in the House of Commons that black-market articles, jewellery or stolen goods were found there. Mr..Bellenger, answering a question of a Communist member, Mr. Piratin, stated that neither nylon stockings nor jewellery was found. They found only one " Post Office Savings Book " of the kind which Polish soldiers have who do not squander their money—military pay— and wish to enter into civilian life with some pounds in hand. It is unfortunate that so many newspapers wrote this misleading account of the visit under striking headlines, and there has not yet been any denial that would make up for the wrong done to these voluntary companions in arms of the English in Great Britain's darkest hour.—Yours faithfully,
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