Papers and Documents relating to the Foreign Relations of Hungary, Volume 1, 1919–1920 (Budapest, 1939)
Documents
148 1920 that although I am one of the most convinced believers in cooperation between Austria and Hungary, I would definitely advocate an entirely different political orientation from the day that Austria annexed Western Hungary. In the course of the conversation, Renner declared that Western Hungary will have a separate provincial legislative assembly; should it decide that it does not wish to be incorporated into Austria, the Austrian Government would not prevent the return of that territory to Hungary. He said that there will be no attempt to interfere with the freedom of elections and he would not even send gendarmerie into Western Hungary. But prior to occupation by Austria, a plebiscite could not be undertaken because it would not give a clear expression of the will of the population. However, the conversation was not conclusive, the Chancellor intimating that he would reply in writing to my letter and set forth his definite position. I am inclined to think that his reply will be negative. No. 125. 789/pol. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Count Somssich, to the Minister of Hungary in Vienna, Dr. Gratz. [TRANSLATION] Code telegram No. 56. BUDAPEST, February 12, 1920. Replying to your report No. 203/pol. of February 9th. 1 The Government shares your point of view that we ought to do everything possible to establish friendly relations with Austria. This objective would be materially furthered by a friendly arrangement concerning Western Hungary. In the interest of such a friendly arrangement, the Hungarian Government is prepared to make great sacrifices. In your code telegram No. 58 2, you already outlined our position concerning the autonomy to be granted to the German-speaking population of Western Hungary and with respect to the limitation on the number of Hungarian troops stationed in that territory. In addition, the Hungarian Government is also prepared to put economic relations between the two countries on a free 1 Not printed. 2 Supra, Doc. No. 113.
