Invariant mass dependence of Λ polarization in pp → pΛK⁺π⁺π^-π⁺π ^-

We show that there is a correlation between the invariant mass of the produced ΛK⁺, ΛK⁺π⁺π^- or ΛK⁺π⁺π^-π⁺π ^- system in the exclusive reaction pp → pΛK⁺π⁺π^-π⁺π ^- and the longitudinal or transverse momentum of Λ. Together with the longitudinal and transverse momentum dependence of A polarization observed in inclusive reactions, such a correlation implies a dependence of A polarization on these invariant masses. The qualitative features of this dependence are consistent with the recent observation by the E766 collaboration at BNL. A quantitative estimation has been made using an event generator for pp collisions. A detailed comparison with the data is made.