be capable of offering effective opposition to the Russians, they may feel that its existence, and its control over Poland West of the Curzon Line, would considerably strengthen their bargaining position, vis-a-vis Russia. 9. At the same time, the Polish authorities realise that the Secret Army can only stage a general rising once, and that if it acts prematurely, the people of Poland will be exposed to savage German reprisals and the Polish Secret Army completely destroyed as a military and political force.