The name "Polskiye pany" was used by Bolshevick propaganda before the WWII. In fact, the Bolshevicks meant their class enemies ("capitalists and landlords") in Poland. I think the commissars took care to explain it to the Red Army soldiers. But the confusion you write about, could occur, I think.
Did the Polish peasants used the word "pan" addressing to themselves before WWII? Taking into account that at that time they were used to bow from the waist having taken off their hats in order to salute their landlords as well as kissed landlords' hands, I doubt it.