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

Documents

796 1920 di Bonzo, confirmed the fact that Batthyány did not resign; he informed the Cardinal orally that should the interest of the Church demand it, he is prepared to place his office at the disposal of the Holy See. Before a new bishop was appointed, the Vatican should have requested Batthyány's resignation, which has not been done. Therefore, according to the Cardinal, Batthyány still ought to be considered as the Bishop of Nyitra. No. 836. oooo/pol.

1 The Minister of Hungary in Vienna, Dr. Gratz, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Count Emeric Csáky. [TRANSLATION] Code telegram No. 508. VIENNA, December 1, 1920. Pursuant to a request from the Hungarian Ministry of Public Food Supply, I have inquired of the Austrian Office of Public Food Supply whether it wishes to consider the flour agreement still in force. In reply to my inquiry, the Minister,

2 in agreement with the Chancellor

3 and with the leaders of the Christian Socialist party, made the following statement to me: Since the conditions of the agreement would create an impression contrary to that which the Austrian and Hungarian statesmen had in mind and since the publication of the fact that the Hungarian flour would cost Austria 80 [paper] crowns per kilogram whereas Austria has heretofore been able to purchase flour at 67 [paper] crowns would in all likelihood create an anti-Hungarian feeling, the Austrian Government came reluctantly to the conclusion that it would abandon the agreement and give the option back to the Hungarian Government. In view of the political considerations above referred to, the Austrian Government would deem the agreement useful only if, in accordance with the decision of the Hungarian Government of November 3,

4 communicated to the Austrian Government, it were part of a barter arrangement and the price of 80 [paper] crowns did not appear therein. 1 Unindexed. 2 Grünberger. 3 Mayr. 4 Supra, Doc. No. 772.