RUSSIA AND POLAND
SIR,—Mr. Richard Neilson writes that the Soviet Union is exterminating the Polish nation, and that Churchill's support for a territorial adjustment between Poland and Russia is " too horrible for words." Yet many hold the view that the Soviet policy in that corner of Europe is eminently constructive and, if unhindered, may open a path for a brilliant future for Poland.
Indeed, the territorial delimitation between the Poles, Ukrainians and the White Russians suggested by Stalin offers a unique and in the annals of Poland and Russia an unprecedented opportunity to bury the sorrowful heritage of the past and pacify Eastern Europe, to the lasting benefit of its peoples. Therefore, in my opinion, Churchill's support of Stalin's proposition renders to Poland, and indeed all Europe, a far greater service than is realised at present.
A permanent settlement in the East would immediately strengthen the Polish position in the West, and, if she desired, Poland could have a defensive alliance with Russia, which in itself would prove a very powerful deterrent against any renewed German attack. With enhanced security and broad access to the sea, Poland would at last be able to develop her vast economic resources argil raise her standard of living, which is still very poor.
And lastly, as a homogeneous State, Polish in race and Roman Catholic by faith, freed from the problems of racial minorities of various denomina- tions which have sapped her vitality in the past, it would have every chance to become a strong and prosperous nation. As to the freedom of Poland, may I point out that every Polish broadcast from Moscow ends with the solemn proclamation—Long Live Independent Poland.—Yours
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