Current Intelligence Bulletin, 29 June 1956 — Riots in Poland

1. RIOTS IN POLAND

Press reports of rioting which paralyzed the Polish city of Poznan throughout 28 June have been confirmed by a Polish government broadcast which states in part that "Enemy agents succeeded today (28 June) in provoking street riots. Certain public buildings were attacked and this led to casualties." There has been no confirmation of rumors that similar riots have broken out in other Polish cities.

The disturbances in Poznan apparently started early in the morning on a limited scale as a protest by factory workers against low wages, lack of food, and poor working conditions. According to eyewitnesses, a mass demonstration rapidly developed and took on political overtones when the headquarters of the Polish United Workers (Communist) Party was attacked. Soviet flags were torn down, and the crowds began calling for the Russians to leave Poland.

The workers probably were stimulated to demonstrate at this time by the fact that the 25th International Trade Fair is now being held in Poznan. They shouted in German and French to visiting foreigners: "Tell the outside world what you have seen. We want things to become better, and we want the Soviets to disappear."

The regime has stated that order has been restored. According to eyewitness reports, the armed forces, including tank units, were used to curb the demonstration. Local police are reported to have stood by passively until the arrival of the armed forces.

Despite the current liberalization program in Poland, it seems likely that the regime will carry out its threat to punish those responsible "with all the severity of the law" and will use whatever force is necessary to keep the riots from spreading. The demonstrations will be considered by the Communist leaders an example of the dangers of proceeding too rapidly with the liberalization program. The liberal forces within the Polish party are probably alarmed by the demonstrations and will be more cautious than in the past in pressing their view that further reforms are desirable.

Current Intelligence Bulletin, 30 June 1956 — The Poznan Riots

1. THE POZNAN RIOTS

The Poznan riots of 28 June, which probably involved 15,000 persons, appear to have been brought under control, but conditions have not returned to "normal" as claimed by the regime. A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed. Reports that riots occurred in other cities remain unconfirmed.

The Polish government's admission of 29 June that as many as 38 were killed and 270 wounded indicates the severity of the suppressive measures. By comparison, the East German riots of 1953 resulted in casualties of 16 dead and 100 wounded in East Berlin and 40 dead and 250 wounded in Rostock and Warnemuende.

Although the riots appear to have spread spontaneously, some planning and organization probably preceded them. There had been rumors that a demonstration or strike was to occur at Poznan's Stalin Locomotive Works, according to an official of the American embassy in Warsaw who returned from Poznan late on 27 June. Some of the demonstrators carried arms and banners, and were prompt in blocking the main streets into the city with trucks.

The regime has implied in a party newspaper editorial of 29 June that the liberalization campaign will continue. However, the riots may result in a slowing of the process and a weakening of the position of liberal elements who were reportedly gaining strength in opposition to the stricter policies of party first secretary Ochab. Several Polish sources in Warsaw have told the American embassy that the riots occurred "too soon."