Papers and Documents relating to the Foreign Relations of Hungary, Volume 1, 1919–1920 (Budapest, 1939)

Appendix III. Parliamentary debates

i025 insistence does not depend solely on our intention and will, but also upon the force we can put behind it. I do not mean merely physical but rather the moral force of the nation. In order to increase this moral force, it is very important that the Regent, the National Assembly and the Government cooperate in reestablishing internal peace and order. When the world sees that conditions in Hungary are like those in all civilized countries, while atrocities are committed in the neighbouring States, it will adopt a different attitude toward us. I beg you to consider the whole issue from this point of view and to remember that which I urged upon you before, namely, that you can conduct a successful foreign policy when internal conditions are good . . . [The House resolved to accept the Minister's reply.] 5. Excerpts from the Minutes of the 69th meeting of the National Assembly, July 22, 1920. Records of the National Assembly, vol. 4, pp. 6. ff. The Speaker : The Prime Minister wishes to address the House. (Hear! Hear!) Count Paul Teleki, Prime Minister: Hon. House! It is in the face of a grave situation that I and my colleagues have accepted the responsibility of Government

.. . The position in which we find ourselves can only be understood if we consider it from the perspective of events taking place around us and throughout Europe. These events are interrelated and, without discussing them in the abstract, I propose to deal with specific issues which concern us, — namely, the boycott, the escape of the communist government members, the agitation against Hungary .. . and the Russian offensive. (Hear! Hear!) All these events are interrelated; they ought to be regarded as part and parcel of a single plan. The boycott movement began curiously at the same time as the Russian offensive against Poland got under way. The boycott, therefore, has a deeper significance for the world than a simple measure against Hungary. It is the first manifestation of an effort directed against the authority of organized government (Approval from the right) to substitute itself in its place. 65