Anti-semitism in Polish Army Precipitates Another Stormy Debate in Parliament

The question of anti-Semitism in the Polish Army precipitated another stormy debate in Commons today on the heels of Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden’s statement of yesterday on the same subject. Led by Tom Driberg, Independent, about a dozen members demanded that the government take steps to facilitate the transfer of 600 Jewish soldiers from the Polish to the British forces.

Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Richard K. Law, who acted as Government spokesman, told Commons that it was doubtful that any further transfers could be effected, emphasizing that those which have been made were “unprecedented.” He asserted that the Polish Government has taken steps to curb anti-Semitism among its troops and expressed regret that the debate had occurred. “We should consider,” he said, “its effects on the wider problems of Jews throughout the world.”

The only member to raise his voice in support of the Polish authorities was Captain A.C. Graham, Conservative, who charged that Jews were deserting not only from the Polish Army, but from the British forces in the Middle East. He alleged that “an unofficial Jewish organization in Palestine” had organized the desertions from the Polish forces and was enlisting the deserters in the illegal units which recently caused trouble in Palestine. Graham was twice interrupted; once by Laborite Aneurin Bevan, who told Graham, “this is shocking, you ought to be ashamed,” and by William Gallacher, Communist, who protested “manifestations of anti-Semitism from one who associates with certain Polish officers.”

Several members cited evidence which had been brought to their attention substantiating the charges of anti-Semitism against certain Polish officers and non-commissioned officers. Among members attacking the attitude of the Polish Army authorities were Laborites James Griffith, John Mack, G.R. Strauss, and D.N. Pritt; Conservatives Sir Thomas Moore and Daniel Lipson, and Eleanor Rathbone, Independent.