Potocki Denies Polish Government Reviving Demands for Jewish Emigration

Polish Ambassador Count Jerzy Potocki has denied that the Polish Government-in-exile is reviving demands for emigration of Jews from Poland. His denial was contained in a communication to Dr. Stephen S. Wise, president of the American Jewish Congress, replying to a protest against the reported revival of the issue.

The Congress, in acknowledging receipt of Count Potocki’s letter, repeated its request for a direct repudiation of the reports by the Government in Angers, France

(A J.T.A. Paris dispatch on May 1 said: “…leaders of the exiled Polish Government were reported to have revived the question of large-scale Jewish emigration from a restored Poland and are seeking negotiations on the subject with Jewish leaders in London and New York. Jewish leaders have refused so far to enter into such negotiations on the ground that Jews are entitled to equality and reject any idea of forced ‘evacuation.’ The organs of the federations of Polish Jews in France and Belgium publish articles attacking the emigration demand.”)

Count Potocki’s letter, which was made public today by the Congress, follows:

“I have your telegram of May 3rd and I am submitting the contents to my Government.

“I am not aware of any such negotiations which you mention in your despatch.

“As to the attitude taken by my Government with reference to Polish citizens of Jewish race and creed. I wish to refresh your memory by statements which, emanating from leaders of the Polish Government, have of course the value of an official document

“A manifesto issued by Polish leaders to the people of Poland on December 18, 1939, stated: ‘Poland will be a democratic State; the liberty of the individual and civic rights will be safeguarded. The Polish Government will be responsible to and controlled by a free elected national representation.’

“President Wladyslaw Raczkiewicz in his broadcast on November 30, 1939, said: ‘Measures will be taken to enable all citizens who inhabit Polish lands to live together in harmony regardless of religion and creed.’

“In an interview granted to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Mr. August Zaleski, Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared: ‘There is, so far as I am concerned: neither Jew nor Pole.’

“The Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister General Sikorski, in all their activities have proved their fair attitude towards Polish citizens of Jewish race and creed, and there has been at no time any question as to the sincerity of their intentions.

“I trust that the above will fully allay the apprehensions which you may have had recently in view of a dispatch of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency published on May 2nd, which however, to my knowledge, is fully based on lack of understanding of the policy of my Government. I may deem it necessary to ask the Jewish Telegraphic Agency to publish a statement on our behalf or to retract the allegations published on May 2nd.”