POLES IN FRANCE A SURVEY OF THE ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED POLISH COMMUNIST ORGANIZATIONS IN FRANCE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-02771R000200390001-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 126
• Document Creation Date: November 11, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 26, 1998
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: January 1, 1956
• Content Type: REPORT

POLES I N FRANCE
A Survey of the Activities of
Selected Polish Communist. Organizations in France
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A. Size of Polish Population in France
The Polish emigres in France, one of the most important for-
eign ethnic groups in the world, are the largest Polish colony
in Europe and numerically rank second to the Polish colony in the
United States. L In France the Poles numerically occupy third
place after the Italians and Spaniards, but their social and po-
litical impact is greater than that of the other two groups.
There are varied estimates as to the number of Poles in France,
the highest being 1,000,000 and the lowest 4,00,000. The consen-
sus is that 750,000 Poles live in France. V
B. Location in France*
Poles are settled in France in the following three main stra-
tegic areas:
1. In the Departments of Nord and Pas de Calais. There are
reportedly about 200,000 Poles in such coal mining centers as
* Included at the end of Section B are the following:
1. A map indicating the percentage of Poles in relations to
the total foreign population in each department in France.
2. A map indicating the location of the Polish population in
France by departments.
3. A chart tabulating the Polish population in France by
departments and its percentage relationship to the total
foreign population in each department.
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I3ru ay, Lens, Manes-les-Mines, Barlin and Douai; in the cen.-
ter of the metallurgical industry at Valencinnes; and in the
textile industry areas of Roubaux, Tourcoing and Lille.
P. The second area of Polish settlement is in the Depart-
merit of Moselle with its steel mills at Thionville, Hayange,
Pont-a-Mousson and Wendel. Other small settlements are scat-
tered in the areas of Mulhouse and. Strasbourg.
. The third region with Polish settlements is the coal
basin of St. Etienne and Virminy in the Department of Loire,,
and centers of metallurgical industry at Montceau-les-Mines
and Le Creusot in the Department of Saone-et-Loire.
Smaller groups of Polish emigrants live in the industrial
periphery of Paris and in the agricultural region of Toulouse
in the south. Paris also may be regarded as the center of
the new emigration for Polish refugees and intellectuals.
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1. Percentage of Poles in France to Total Foreign
Population in each Department. ~..
Pouresl% pr rapportd EsreWft des
Colonies dwores de d'wut Deputeealnt
,wfj mufiw!9f 3
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Location of Polish Population in France by
Deartments.
fts S-3) o 100 LE 0 5
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3. Breakdown of the Polish population in France and its
Percentage relationship to the total foreign population
in eac epartment. 7
Department
Ain
Aisne
Allier
Alper (Basses
Alpes Hautes
Alper Maritimes)
Ardeche
Ardennes
Ariege
Aube
Aude
Aveyron
Belfort (Territoire)
Bouches du Rhone
Calvados
Cantal
Charente
Charente (Inferieure)
Cher
Correze
Corse
Cote d'Or
Cotes. du Nord
Creuse
Dordogne
Doubs
Drome
Eure
Eure & Loir
Finistere
Gard
Garonne (Haute)
Gers
Gironde
Herault
Ille & Vilaine
Indre
Indre & Loire
Isere
Jura
Landes
Number
497
10,553
3,076
log
78
1,074
179
3,932
101
2,852
275
1,566
309
1,356
2,941
32
834
442
2,214
325
62
2,498
33
80
1,23
1,652.
259
3.7
2,187
23.1
832
21.7
43
3.1
2,3o4
9.8
1'
2.9
803
3.5
1,189
2.7
404
1.2
116
5.2
1,450
37.4
983
19x1
2,077
4.9
269
6.3
129
2,4
Percentage
6.1
49.2
36.4
2.1
2.8
1.5
4.2
25.8
0.9
34.2
1.1
18.5
6.9
1.2
30.4
15.9
21.2
11.4
35.1
9.3
0.5
20.5
3.7
29.1
15.4
11.9
5
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Department
Number
Percentage
Loir & Cher
628
23-0
Loire
5,725
21.5
Loire (Haute)
219
13.1
Loire (Inferieure)
608
13.8
Loiret
2,7255
28.8
Lot
258
6.2
Lot & Garonne
1,503
5.3
Lozere
98
7.8
Maine & Loire
325
14.5
Manche
235
9.1
Marne
4,179
37.5
Marne (Haute)
1,300
19.8
Mayenne
77
10.4
Meurthe & Moselle
10,869
25.3
Meuse
2,161
27.8
Morbihan
25
2.6
Moselle
17,727
21.9
Nievre
1,722
32.0
Nord
46,390
39.6
Oise
8,588
42.4
Orne
300
10.2
Pas de Calais
68,960
74.1
Puy de Dome
3,006
25.1
Pyrenees Basses
329
1,8
Pyrenees Hautes
236
1.8
Pyrenees Orientales)
48
0.1
Rhin Bas
0
1,364
10.3
Rhin (Haut)
5,490
21.5
Rhone
3,658
7.2
Saone (Haute)
615
13.3
Saone & Loire
7,197
38.5
Sarthe
163
.9.6
Savoie
482
2.4
Savoie (Haute)
227
1.4
Seine
44,189
12.7
Seine (tnfeiieure)
1,452
10.3
Seine & Marne
.'.11,314
41.6
Seine & Oise
13,282
21.6
Sevres (Deux)
460
Some
4,484
39.5
Tarn
2,894
12.0
Tarn & Garonne
490
3.3
Var
201
0.9
Vaucluse
324
2.1
6
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Department Number
Percentage
Vendee
126
16.4
Vienne
916
27.1
Vienne
(Haute)
608
21.2
Vosges
366
505
Yonne
2,981
31.3
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C. Composition
1. Waves of Polish Emigration*
Polish emigres, composed chiefly of Polish settlers after
World War I and their descendants, may be divided into three
d:i f;in.ct groups:
a. The first homogeneous group came to France after
World War I from Westphalia, Germany. Because of poor
post-war living conditions In Germany and lacking the
opportunity to re-emigrate to war-ruined Poland, they
accepted the Invitation of the French Government to
migrate to France, which needed man-power.
b. The second influx to France occurred during the
first decade of Poland's independence and was caused by
economic depression and growing unemployment. A reverse
influx to Poland occurred in the early thirties when
deteriorating economic conditions in France causing
layoffs resulted in a wave of re-emigration.
The third migratory movement of. Poles to France
was political in character as the result of World War
_LI and included demobilized soldiers of the Polish Army,
former political prisoners, escapees from Poland, former
prisoners of war in Germany, forced labor deported by
A chart Indicating the number of aliens in France as of
August 1953 is given at the end of Section C 1.
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the Nazis and other civilian refugees. Intellectuals
and semi-intellectuals constitute a large part of the
last emigre movement.
Those emigrating in the third group as a result of World
War II and referred to as "new emigrants," work in various light
industries while the "old emigrants" are employed mostly in
coal mines and in the coal and textile industries. The number
in this third group, which comprises about 10 per cent of the
"old emigration," includes some 30,000 political refugees,
although of the Poles in.Franc.e, only five per centcan be con-
sidered political refugees from Communist oppression. The
third group is considered particularly active and dynamic.
The division between the "old" and "new" emigration is
not only limited to time of arrival and settlement in Polish
communities but is also reflected in the mentality, attitudes
and social composition of the two groups. The "old" emigrants
were by profession mostly miners. They were homogeneous,
stable, highly conservative, and retained their traditions,
religion and customs. New emigrants, however, form a hetero-
geneous social group, composed to a large extent of unmarried
persons not yet stabilized in their profession and often
discontented with their situation and prospects in France. It
is in this latter group that the danger of Communist subversion
is greatest.
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An indication of the composition of the Polish labor
breakdown including both "old" and "new" emigration, is re-
flected in the 269,000 adult Poles in France reported working
professionally in the following fields.: LO/
Farmers and agricultural workers
91,000
Miners
79,000
Processing industry
58,000
Domestic servants
17,000
Transport
11,000
Trade
8,000
Professional people
5,000
269,000
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ALIENS IN FRANCE INCLUDING PERSONS
FROM FRENCH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES 1
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2. Citizenship and Naturalization
In the absence of exact statistics, it is estimated that
275,000-300,000 Poles have become French citizens through
naturalization and birth in French territory. About 450,000,
however, have retained Polish citizenship, which permits this
group. a freedom of choice in deciding whether to accept Polish
Communist consular jurisdiction. L2/ It should be noted that
the most active and effective Communist operatives in 1952
were those Poles who are French citizens by naturalization
and thus immune to expulsion. 13
Naturalization appears to be increasing. While formerly
the assumption of French citizen5llip Was u,prtaken. with
reluctance, naturalization by Polish emigres is now regarded
as a prudent measure compatible with devotion to Poland.
Irrespective of citizenship and a high degree of assimila-
tion, the Poles in France are reported to form a distinct cul-
tural group, conscious of origin and extraordinarily faithful
to its mother tongue, national and religious traditions, 14
D. Political Influence and Orientation
National and naturalized Poles, who constitute about 1.7
per cent of the French population, and Frenchmen of Polish
descent, who comprise about 0.7 per cent of the French popu-
lation, appear on the surface to exert little influence on
French life. Because, however, Poles living in France are
grouped in certain regions (in some towns and cities they
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constitute 40-50 per c-Ent of the inhabitants) their influence
is in fact considerable-. Twenty Poles hold municipal posts,
ten are factory workers council leaders and a son of a polish
immigrant is highly situated in the Ministry of Interior. 15
Gaston Palewski, of Polish ancestry, was formerly Minister
Delegate to the President of the Conseil in the cabinet of
Edgar Faure. Furthermore:, certain political and intellectual
members of Polish qmdg s rarest.. .irt:~ sector it
French labor and have succeeded In: establishing close ties
with influential French in. intellectual, social and political
circles.
From,the standpoint or labor impact and potential in France,
Polish emigres are employed in strategic and sensitive Indus-
tries such as mining and metallurgy. Their influence is also
felt in French agriculture.
The existence of Polish emigres in France is evidence of
their opposition to the present Warsaw regime. Other than an
estimated 5-10 per cent Communists or fellow travelers, most
of the Poles are vigorously patriotic and resolutely anti-
Communist. Nevertheless, they represent a fertile target for
Communist propaganda and subverrsi-on, especially those dis-
illusioned with their present statue who have little hope
for the future.
13
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I.I. OBJECTIVES OF WARSAW GOVERNMENT IN FRANCE
The motivation underlining. Warsaw's current campaign in
France can, to some extent, be explained in terms of emotional
irritation over the emigre problem in general. The existence
of a large number of national Poles outside Poland's borders
constitutes in the eyes of Polish authorities a sort of
minority problem in reverse, and since minority problems of any
kind have always been a source of trouble and instability
in Poland, members of the Polish elite are unlikely ever
to reconcile themselves to such a status quo. One of the
principal characteristics of national Polish psychology
is a fixation on the ethnic distribution of population.
To most Polish leaders a utopia would necessarily include a
situation in which all Poles resided in Poland, all Germans
in Germany and all Jews in Israel. Although few members of
the Polish regime would admit it, even to themselves, many
of them are irrationally fascinated by the thought of a Poland
to which all Poles would return and in which no ethnic minori-
ties would exist. As long as a large body of national Poles
reside outside Poland, this problem will remain an idea fixe
of the Polish authorities.*
# This attitude is reflected in the remarks made by Ambassador
R. Spasowski to Mr. Murphy, Department of State, on 7 Novem-
ber 1955. /
14
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The rational decision of the Polish Government to seek
the return of Poles in France is based on several sound reasons
which probably outweigh the emotional motivation. The campaign
of the Warsaw regime is primarily directed toward achieving
the following ob,jectid4!s
1. To disrupt the political exile organizations
by discrediting their leadership, splitting the rank and
file from its leadership and, by creating dissension
among exi1o `,groups? The achievement of this objective
would:
a. Neutralize the exiles as a source of effec-
tive anti-Communist and ant;i-Warsaw propaganda; en-
.courage
values and reduce or destroy their confidence in
the Free World and its concern for their welfare;
b. Reduce emigre influence on French public
opinion and on the official policy of the French Govern-
ment;
. c. Disarm the potential threat of the government-
in-exile to the legitimacy of the Warsaw regime;
d. Reduce a potential source of support to resin-
tere in Polamd- and resign. the Co n st-ruled to the
statue quo, thereby creating loss of hope for the
liberation of Poland.
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2. To develop a. long-range political fifth column
potential by exploiting interest in homeland, family
ties and general national consciousness among exiles
in France, and by reestablishing cultural ties be-
tween France and Poland in which the emigres would play
an important role.
The long-term aim of Communist policy is to con-
trol the gradual integraticnof the Polish population in
France. In the short-term view, the Communists elicit
support of the Polish population in France for the bene-
fit of the Polish Communist regime, the French Communist
Party and Soviet policy. Thus to the Communists, a Pole
who obtains French citizenship should become a member
of the French Communist Party; a Pole who does not seek
French citizenship should become a Polish Communist.
The Warsaw regime's approach toward Polish emigres
having permanently settled in France with no intention
of returning to Poland is to champion their cultural
and profession interests and to call for a realignment
of allegiance rather than a return to Poland. The regime
attempts to persuade them to maintain their ties with
Poland and their contacts with Polish diplomatic and
consular missions in France.
3. To secure the return of the following professions
and skills needed for general Polish welfare and specific
interests of the regime:
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a. Scientists; because of their specialized
and technical knowledge are vitally necessary in
the development of . Poland.
b. Former diplomats,. writers,. intellectuals
and artists, for any intelligence `information they
might provide as well as for their propaganda po-
tential...
c. Skilled labor such as -miners and metal
workers are vital to the achievement of Polish
economic plans. Farm laborers. are needed to occupy
and farm the Oder-Neisse territory,. which the
Polish-.Government has been attempting to settle in
the past decade.
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III. SOME OVERT POLISH COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN FRANCE
A. Background and Development of Present Repatriation-R.edefec-
i.on Program
In the years following the liberation of France, the Polish
Government began a vigorous propaganda campaign to persuade all.
Poles in France to return to Poland. Official recognition of
the Warsaw regime aided their campaign as well as the favorable
status of all Communist enterprises in France.
'Political events in 1947-48 such as the French Communist
ministers being forced out of the French Government and the
collapse within Poland of collaboration by Mikolajczyk with the
Warsaw Government represented a change in trend. Unfavorable
letters from Poland to Polish friends in France concerning
conditions under the Communist system and liquidation of the
repatriation bureau also contributed to a decreasing emphasis
on the campaign.
From 1948 until. early 1954, the organized repatriation
campaign waned until the Polish diplomatic representative
.ordered the functionaries of the "consulates," "volunteer"
workers of the Polish Red Cross and militants of the General
Confederation of Labor (CGT) to resume the repatriation program. 1/
This move by the Warsaw regime conformed to the Soviet-Satellite
patternof increased interest in early 1954 in refugees of Western
Europe. Two complementary elements are considered basic to
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Soviet-Satellite strategy in this regard: the attempt to "pop-
ularize" the regime internally and the encouragement of "coexis-
tence" externally- both 9n Communist terms.
To gain good will among refugees in France, a change in
propaganda emphasis. oe trred 'during, 1954, when political pole-
Mies were replaced by.s. program of social contact and cultural
development.
Two recent.offers'by the Warsaw regime have:proved signi-
ficant in developing-an increasing interest in the repatriation
program. The first was a speech on 23 July 1955 by Boleslaw
Bierut,'ex-?resident of the Polish-Peoples Republic. and
present First Secretary of :the Party's. Central 'Committee, who
affirmed,that Poland forgave the crimes of emigre oppositionists
and that they would be welcomed on their return to Poland with
the aid and protection of the Government., The second was
the announcement on 21 September 1955 by the Polish GoVernment
of an offer of extensive assistance to aa.l_ Polish e+rhigre.s
wishing to return home--payment of returnees' traveling ex-
penses, providing professional training,.pensions,.etc.,
At the present time the Polish regime is reported to be
exerting its greatest effort in France,-where it is spending
an estimated $81,500.00-0 million francs) per day to incite
subversion, redefection and repatriation,: by using every means
at its disposition, including politics, education,
sports, dancing, movies, theater, art, music and, literature.
1
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Of all', the Sate.l.lites the :::W .rsaw Government: is reportedly
the most cbmpletedy.engaged :in influencing, the emigres not-
withstanding the fact that Poland entered the Soviet Bloc
redefection campaign later and with less acclaim than the other
Satellites.
B. Propaganda Appeals of the Warsaw Government
To achieve maximum impact upon Polish emigres in France,
the Warsaw regime stresses the following major propaganda
appeals in its repatriation-redefectior} program:
1. Cultural heritage and national consciousness
The appeal to cultural heritage and national con-
sciousness stresses the longing for homeland and families,
and recognition and encouragement of patriotism as a
natural right belonging to the Polish emigre heritage
and national aspirations. This appeal also exploits
emigre disillusionment and disappointment in failing to
achieve security and status. The long separation from
homeland and family ties makes the emigre Poles especially
vulnerable to this form of propaganda. Unsuccessful Poles
in France are urged to return to Poland while those who re-
main are assured of Communist support in their cultural and
social needs. Furthermore the latter are encouraged to be-
come naturalized citizens of France, the desired end of
which, from the Warsaw Government standpoint, is the
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creation of a bloc of pro-Warsaw Poles who full citizenship
might give them more power in promoting Communist interests.
in Europe
2. Advantages of repatriation
The appeal to the advantages of repatriation :stresses
professional security, the guarantee of employment and
the return of property. Emigres are "guaranteed" the
right to practice their professions and skills. Warsaw
propaganda attempts to show how miserable life in the West
is and exploits the fact that troy professional and skilled
Poles in France are faced with vocational dislocations
caused by exile. It promises them opportunities and
openings in their ;respective professions.- Training is
also promised to the non-skilled to prepare them for pro-
fessions or skills.
3. Post-war Changes in Poland
This appeal emphasized the "great changes" which,
have taken place in Poland--the mythical economic and
educational advantages of life in the homeland and the
extraordinary recovery from war devastation A fervent
plea is made to the emigre to return and participate in
Polish reconstruction. Warsaw pxrol,tda contrasts the
present fxeade-m :dal opportunity ,.n Po .ans pith; ,,the class
strat fica iidr, struggle aril feudal system of the pre-war
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period. Poland is represented as a country where the
former exploitation of peasants and workers by the "land-
lords" has been abolished and where everyone is happily
building a better future under the Communist aegis.
4. Insincerity of Free World's concern for plight
of Eastern European peoples
Warsaw explains to Poles at home that they can no
longer expect help from the West. Political refugees
returning from the West show that resistance is in vain--
they have lost all hope of aiding outside intervention
by remaining in the West, consequently all hope of libera-
tion is illusory. Its propaganda attempts to interpret
the Geneva Conference as implying Western recognition of
the status quo and utilizes the theme of coexistence to
persuade exiles to that effect. Further resistance to
the regime is futile and refugees are urged to avail them-
selves of the regime's favorable provisions and return
to Poland.
5. Exploitation of French and Polish fears of a
reunited Germany
Warsaw propaganda attempts to enlist French support of
Polish rights to the Oder-Neisse area, and suggests that
a Polish-French alliance would be a corner stone of a truly
peaceful Europe as a first step toward peaceful existence
with the USSR. Warsaw broadcasts indirectly appeal to
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French sympathy by describing the happy experiences of.
repatriates and alleging that emigre.leaders are.. lying
about oppression in .Poland,.- This appeal is further
effected by strengthening ties between Poles at home
and Poles in France, particularly the intellectuals who
are influential among moulds , qf. public opinion and
policy-forming circles inFranc:e.. The Polish Government,
for example, has established friendship committees with
naturalized Frenchmen as offi.cers,through which a..coor-
dinated program of social, cultural and propaganda events
is presented at the same time to both French and. Polish
audiences
C. Methods of Action
The Warsaw regirhe utilizes the following methods of action
to achieve its'.objectives of repatriation, r6defection and
subversion of . Polish emigres in France:
1. Polish Schools and Teachers in France
for information. on specific relationship between Polish
schools and the Polish Embassy, see Section VIII, E, 1, below]
The Polish.Ambassador in.France has emphasized the
importance of Polish school teachers and schools in France,
because they are a means by which the Palish Government can
win over emigre:youth and exploit Polish teachers for repatr'L-
ation propaganda purposes.
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The pre-war Polish-French agreement which gave the
Polish Government the right to conduct cultural and edu-
cational activities among the Polish emigrants in France
was renewed on 19 February 1947. It provided for the in-
struction of children of Polish origin residing in France,
as well as for the teaching of Polish language, litera-
ture, history and geography. / Thus Poles in France
are permitted to have their own teachers and extra-curri-
cular schools. Traditionally the teachers for these
schools were supplied by the Polish Government. V
The Lycee Polonais in Paris, under the control of
the Polish Ambassador, prepares young Poles of Western
Europe for Polish baccalaureate examinations. Its 150
students come primarily from Northern French mining areas
and scholarships are reportedly based on the devotion
of their parents to the cause of "New Popular Poland." 12
The Polish Embassy utilized Polish teachers in its
pay to resume the repatriation campaign in early 1954.
Despite the fact the French Government took over the pay-
rolls of 60 Polish teachers and replaced a number of Commu-
nist teachers, the Warsaw regime still controls a system
of educational posts employing 160 teachers. 11 Although
the French educational authorities feel that the schools
are no longer a dangerous source of Communist influence,
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the Free Polish representatives state that considerable
Communist influence remains and flourishes in these
schools. 12
2. The Youth Vacation Colonies
for information on specific relationship between vaca-
tion colonies and the Polish Embas ty,.see Section VIII, E, 2
below.'
The Polish Communists regard the so-called vacation
colonies as an effective means of influencing Polish
emigres to return to Poland and of recruiting agents for
operations in France. Polish youth aged 14 to 16 of emigre
parents attend vacation camps in France and Poland where
Komsomol courses are taught.
`he.Polish Red.Cross and "Embassy"teaohers sponsor
the organization of these vaeai on cc ; ies.
;rWX.954
the Red Cross sent 4,000-5,000 "children" to these summer
camps. About one thousand youth of Polish emigre parents
in France went to Poland; the remainder attended Communist-
organized camps in France. Upon returning to France, some
of the children who went to Poland persuaded their
families to go back to Poland'. IV,
In 1955 a more intensive and selective drive for
enrollment; cc noentrated. on children of the moot impression-
able -ages (11-16) sand from groups sons dered most sus
25.
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ceptible to Communist influence, In the mining areas of
Nord and Pas de Calais, there were more enrollments than
in 1954. Aided by posters and tracts, "Embassy" teachers
and Polish Red Cross representatives carried on the organi-
zation of this campaign. l/
3. Pardon and Assistance to Repatriates
One of the major actions to attract repatriates in
France and Western Europe were two appeals made by the
Polish regime, one on 23 July 1955 and the other on 21
September 1955.
a. Pardon
In the first appeal made on 23 July 1955, Boleslaw
Bierut, ex-President of Poland and present First Secre-
tary of the Party's Central Committee, told a delegation
including Poles from abroad that Polish citizens were
welcome to return and that Poland generously pardoned
any of these who returned now. He stated further that
the Polish nation does not desire to reariamber the offenses
and errors of the past. 15
b. Assistance to Repatriates 16/
The second appeal--one of the most positive yet
made to any Soviet Bloc emigres since the inception of
the redefection campaign--was the resolution of 21 Septem-
ber 1955 in which the Polish Government offered extensive
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3 ar~ce to all Polish emigres wishing to return home,
Although relatively few Poles have been repatriated so
far, this offer may attract some who lack security in
the West or increase the disillusionment of others remaining
abroad.
The resolution offers the following bait to potential
returnees
(1) The ?b'lish Government will assist repatri-
ates in paying travel expenses incurred on the re-
tu.rri Journey; furnish free f nod and medieal aid un-
til employment is secured; assist repatriates in
pro-curing housing; give them one lump-sum case pay-
ment; and exempt from customs duties any possessions
brought back to Poland.
(2) The government promises to provide proLession-
al training if necessary; to give full educat;l,-a:;1.
opportunities to young people; and to provide f'a,rmers
with buildings and help them to purchase livestock,
or employ them on state farms.
(3) The government commits itself to provide .pen-
,. ions for the aged and for Invalids. Periods c-, '
ernoloyment outside Poland will be cansidr,ed In ctnipi.d c:;
pensions; and persons with ,physical d1sabill ties
arising from military service will receive pensions
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regardless of the state for which military service
was performed. The promise to recognize service-
connected disabilities as pensionable is considred
by some to be almost the same as an amnesty.
(4) In addition, returnees may keep the rank
they held in the Polish or Allied military units
up to the end of the war with Germany.
4. Press
The Polish Communist language press aimed at Polish
emigres in France originates both in Poland and in France.
Redefection propaganda began to appear in the Polish
Communist press in France at the end of March and early
April 1955. 17 The Polish-language Communist daily in
Paris is now responsible for presenting new arguments to
its readers to persuade them to return to Poland. The
repatriation campaign dominated its news coverage in July
and August 1955. Articles contained either official
declarations, such as Poland's offer to pardon returnees,
or the statements of "happy" returnees. Indirect propa-
ganda described the "brilliant progress" of the Polish
economy and the improved status of workers.
5. Letters from Poland
Another method which the Warsaw regime uses to imple-
ment its repatriation program is that of personal letters,
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which are mailed to Polish refugees in France inviting them
to return to Poland. Some letters, written in the form
of a manifesto, are sent from different Polish towns
and are signed by forty persons, none of whom are_Commu-
nists. Those signing are well-known pre-war university
professors, writers, and prominent priests who cooperate.
with the regime. These letters are sent to emigre
leaders, intellectuals, writers and politicians. 19
D. Number of Repatriates
The returnees to Poland reportedly average about 30-50
each month.' The number, a: small fraction of the total number
of Polish emigres in France, has been relatively insignifi-
cant. in:?compa.rison to Communist efforts. The reasons for
returning to Poland are usually personal and economic rather
than political i.e., unfavorable economic status, professional
and language deficiencies, dismal prospects of emigration
overseas, old age, reunion with family, and desire for
land and security. No prominent individuals have redefected from
France. Those who have redefected have been older people,
the indigent, farm workers and ex-legionnaires. 20 However,
there is always a danger of. ?the re Ef ection and subversion
of the "elite," a'primy target of the Warsaw regime.
Even a small number of'repatriates to Poland constitutes
S setback for the Free World because it is of immense propa-
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Banda, value to the Soviets, it contributes to the creation
of anti-Western sentiment within Poland, and it supports
Warsaw's claims that the existence of the Iron Curtain is
fictitious and that new conditions prevail which enable
emigres to return.
Although about 36,000 emigres returned to Poland before
1947, and about 7,000 between 1947-49, only about 100 have
emigrated to Poland in each subsequent year since 1949. The
figure reportedly rose to 263 during the first half of 1955,
two-thirds of whom were agricultural laborers. 22 Because
of the Polish Government's intensification of its repatriation
program, the total figure for 1955 will probably reach 500.
No "massive" returns are envisaged. Agricultural workers and
older people motivated by nostalgia for Poland are reportedly
the most susceptible to repatriation, 23 but the total number
of repatriates will probably remain at this general level
unless a major economic disaster befalls France. 2/
France ranks second after Belgium in the number of re-
turnees to Poland. Sixty-five per cent of those who have
returned to Poland thus far have come from Belgium. 25
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IV. TENTATIVE LISTS OF POLISH COMMUNIST ORGANIZATIONS
OPERATING IN OR AGAINST FRANCE
LIST A - Official Polish Government and Party Organizations
I. Polska Zjednoczona Partia Robotnicza (PZPR) (Polish Communist
Party) - (elements in France.)
II. Repatriation Organizations in Poland.
A, Government Plenipotentiary for Repatriation Affairs.
B. Association for Liaison with Poles Abroad, "Polonia."
III. Ministries and Agencies
A. Committee for State Security (KBP) - (directs operations
in France)
B. Ministry of Defence
1. 2nd Department of General Staff (0.11) - (elements
in France).
2. Main Department for Information of General StafP (GZI) -
(elements in France).
C. Ministry of Foreign Trade - (its representatives in France).
D. Ministr of Education - (its representatives in the Paris
Embassy).
E. Ministry of Health - (supports the Polish Red Cross in
France)?
F. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
1. Polish Embassy - Paris
a. Chancery
b. General Division
(1) Financial Section
(2) Personnel Section
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(3) Administrative Section
c. Political Division
(1) Cultural Attache
(2) Press Attache
(a) Bureau d'Informations Polonaise (BIP)
(b) Polska Agencja Prasowa (PAP)
(c) Gazeta Polska and successors - (official
E~ffib assy new, organ)
(1) Les Amid de la Gazeta Polska (sup-
pressed in 1950)
d. Affairs of Poles in France Division
(1) Education Section
(a) Polish Lycee in Paris
(b) University in Paris (located in Polish
House)
(c) University in Lille
(d) Embassy Farm at La Presle-en-Brie
(e) Polish 'Gymnasium" in Paris
(f) Sunday Schools in Paris
(2) TUR - (Society of Workers Universities - Ignace
DASZYNSKI)
(a) OMTUR - (Youth Organization of TUR)
e. Commercial Department - (was responsible for commer-
cial operations of Polish Government and firms in
France)
(1)
Official Polish Commercial Firms in France
(a) La Compagnie LOT - (Polish Airline)
(b) Bank "Polska Kasa Opieki" (PKO)
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Transtours - (formerly Polorbis; Agence
Maritime et Bureau de Voyages, Transports
et Tourisme.)
(d) SEPIC - (agency for ELEKTRIM in France.)
(e) POLIMEX
(f) VARIMEX
(g) SPOLEM
(h) Film Polski
(1) SIRIUS - (represents Film Polski
in France.)
(i)
1. VITRAME Group - (dissolved and became
LANDY FRERES.)
(a) VITRAME - (deals with export of
all goods exported to Poland pur-
chased under Franco-Polish Commer-
cial Treaty.)
(b) SOFRAMI - (deals with good pur-
chased in clearance of Polish cre-
dits for coal deliveries.)
(c) PROBUR-FRANCE - (agency for CIECH-
Polish Center for Import and Export
of Chemical Products.)
2. LANDY FRERES (formerly VITRAME)
(a) La Societe FRAMEL - (associated
with Landy Freres.)
(b) Societe pour Immobilies et Fonds
de Commerce (connected with LANDY,
J. M. of Landy Firm)
(c) PINALT - (agency of Landy Freres.)
(d) STGCP - (La Socete Transitoire de
Gerance des Contracts Polonais; may
be connected with Landy organization.
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(j) BOT - (Bureau de Reception et de Trans-
port des Surplus Americains.)
(1) BOTRANS - (replaced BOT)
(k) Societe Europeene pour le Commerce et
1'Industrie
(1) Societe Financiere de 1'Industrie,
Forestiere
(rn) Comptoir Forestier
(n) CETYLOSE
(o) CENTROZBYT -? (connected with Polish
coal industry.)
(p) CELYLOSE
(q) SEFRANPOL - (Polish Publishing House
in France.)
1.
(a) Nowiny Polskie - (SEFRANPOL pub-
lica on;'anned January 1954.)
(b) Przeglad Polski we Francji - (La
-
Revue col
on-al se en rance;
AN OL police cion; replaced
Nowiny Polskie)
Z`cie Uchodzcze:-- (Replaced Przead
P o l ski
2.
(a) Polski Swiat - (SEFRANPOL publica-
tion, )anned' 19 November 1952.)
(b) T odn:Lk Polakow we Francji -
SEF AIfPOL pu 1icacion, banned 2 June
1953)
(c) Swiat w Illustracjach - (Le Monde
Iliustre;; SF A publication;
successor 3or to 2a and 2b.)
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(2) Other Polish Commercial Firms, Organiza-
tions and Affiliates:
(a) ROLIMPEX - (Polish Business Firm in
Poland.)
(b) Grau-Bor
(c) NOFOR
(d) TEWEX
(e) Societe Anonyme d'Exploration Agricole
(f) Vendome Export-Import
(g) Comptoir European d'Export-Import
(h) ZIWA (or ZIW; entirely devoted to
serving Polish firms: printing, etc.)
(i) Banque Commercial de 1{Europe du Nord -
(affiliate of PKO.)
(~) ZWP - (Union of Polish Savings Banks in
France.)
(3) Firms Servicing or Mentioned in Connection
with Polish Firms or Organizations in France:
(a) Imprimieries Parisennes Reunies -
(prints papers for SEFRANPOL group and
the Zycie Polskie.)
(b) OFIMEXPORT - (commercial agency colla-
borating with the USSR and the Satellites.
(c) O.F.I.C.E. - (unknown status, mentioned
in connection with Communist operations.)
(d) Publishers subsidized by PKO
(1) Dunod
(2) Masson, & Cie.
(3) Centre de Diffusion et de la Presse
(4+) Les Editeurs Francais Reunies
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L'Humanite
Les Lettres Francaises
Krier, Jacques
f, Consulates
(1)
(a) Nasze Pisemko (Children's ublication
:sponsore by the consulate)
(2) Lille
(3) Lyons
(4) Strasbourg
(5) Toulon
(6) Marseilles
(7) Metz (consular agency under Strasbourg)
(8) St. Etienne (consular agency under Lyon)
Polish House (Dom Polski)
h. Polish Book (Ksiazka Polska)
i. Union of Embassy Employees
G. Radio Stations
1. Radio Warsaw
2. Radio Kra,
a. Bulletin ~of Radio Kraj
H. Polish Red Cross, Polski Czerwony Krzyz (PCK)
1. Dispensary - Paris
2. Dispensary - Lens
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3. Rest Home - Biarritz
4? RKL - Council of Summer Camps
5. Polish Student Summer Camps in Western Europe
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LIST B - Polish Communist Front Groups and their Publications in
France
I. Organizations with their Publications
A. Parti Communist Francais (PCF) (Polish section)
1. JEDNOSC - (Polish-language publication of PCF)
2. PORADNIK - (ostensibly publication of PCF, actually
organ o the PZPR.)
3. LISTY Z WOLWOSCI - (Secret organ of Polish section of
the 'Acfion ouncil, Central Committee, PCF)
B. Confederation Generale du Travail (CGT) - Polish Section
1. Le Sous-sol Lorraine - (CGT publication carrying
articles n rol s
2. Prawo Ludu - (paper published by CGT)
3. Centre des Jou.rnalistes Professionnels - (affiliated
with CGT)
4. Commission Administrative de la Federation Regionale
du Syndicat de Mineurs du Nord et du Pas-de-Calais.
C. Association of Protectors of the Border on the Oder and
Neisse
D. Amitie Franco-Polonaise
1. Les Amis de la Juenesse Polonaise - (suppressed in
1950)
2. Amitie Franco-Polonaise des Jeunes
E. Progressive Catholic Movement
1. Pax Christi
F. Union of the Women of "Maria Konopnicka" (ZKMK) - (suppressed
in 1950)
1. ))Union des Femmes Francaises (Polish section)
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G. Union of War Invalids (ZIW)
1. Polish Association of War Invalids
H. Association des Combattants Polonais
I. Aide Mutuelle Aux Militaires Polonais
J. Armee Ouvriere Polonaise (Polska Armia Robotnicza)
K. Unite Ouvrier (Workers' Unity; lending library.)
L. Organization of Polish Jews (ZZP)
1. Polish-Jews Communist Association at Toulouse
2. Jewish Communist Youth 2e Arrondissement
M. Comite d'Aide et de Defense des Immigres'(CADI)
1. Comite Francais de la Defense des Immigres (CFDI,
same as CADI)
2. UNIS - (newspaper of CADI/CFDI)
N. Union of Polish Teachers in France (ZNP) - (suppressed
in 1950)
0. Union of Polish Engineers and Technicians (ZIT)
P. Union of Polish Cattle Breeders in France
Q. Federation of Polish Immigrants in France
1. Federation des Emigres Polonais (FEP) - (Suppressed
in 1950)
R. Union of Settlers and Agriculture Workers (ZORR)
S. Union of Polish Youth "Grunwald" (ZMP) - (suppressed
in 1950)
T. Union of Polish Scouts and Guides (ZHP) - (suppressed
in 1950)
U. Union of Former Members of the Resistance (ZPBURO) -
(suppressed in 1950.)
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V. Aid to the Homeland (OPO) - (suppressed in 1950)
1. The Independence (organ published, by OPO.)
W. Polish Union of Former Members of the International Bri-
gade in Spain
X. Parti Socialiste Unitaire (PSIJ)
1. USP (no information available--may be identical to P