Poles run for Swedish asylum

A total of 22 Poles have applied for political asylum in Sweden since martial law was declared in Poland Sunday. All of them had taken the ferry to Ystad, in southern Sweden, from Swinoujscie in northern Poland, Monitor contributor Chris Mosey reports.

Inspector Kaj Hansson, chief of Ystad's police, said he was also dealing with six Poles who have Swedish residence permits or tourist visas which have expired. He said all have asked for political asylum in Sweden.

''Normally we have only one or two Poles each week applying for asylum,'' Inspector Hansson said.

Swedish military intelligence reports indicate that all Polish ports are being closely watched by the Polish authorities.

Barracks and public buildings have been set aside to accommodate refugees, and the Swedish Navy will protect them once they enter Swedish waters.