Papers and Documents relating to the Foreign Relations of Hungary, Volume 2, 1921 (Budapest, 1946)

Documents

46 1921 relations with Hungary were the most important Czech interest and that such good relations must be established at the cost even of substantial sacrifices. I asked what contribution Hungary would be expected to make, whereupon Mr. Samal inquired as to the status of the question of the throne. I replied that this was a matter of domestic concern. Mr. Samal conceded this, adding that from the political point of view an early solution of this question would be desirable. It would promote stability. He was disturbed by the fact that a treaty concluded with the present Government might not be recognized by the King. I pointed out that all treaties must be ratified by Parliament and that the Government would doubtless insist on the recognition of treaties concluded and of laws enacted as a condition of the King's occupation of the throne. I also pointed out the constitutional limitations on the power of the throne. Whereupon Mr. Samal remarked: "nur wenige Könige so ausgedehnte Rechte haben wie unser Herr Präsident." Mr. Samal then raised the question whether the Allies would permit the Succession States to make any alteration in the Peace Treaty. I reminded him that a precedent already existed so far as Turkey and Greece were concerned and that maps were circulated in the Allied countries showing frontiers more favourable to Hungary than the present boundaries. He remarked: "Diese Strömungen sind uns leider wohl bekannt," and continued: "In order to prepare public opinion through the press for substantial territorial concessions, I have one request to make. It v/ould be necessary to discontinue the aggressive Hungarian propaganda which causes % so much bitterness in Czech public opinion." My reply was that the Government was holding aloof from this movement, which was initiated and carried on by private individuals and organizations and that the Government could only put an end to this if it could point to substantial territorial concessions or, at least, to their likelihood. Thereupon Dr. Scheu proposed that there should be a neutral interval between the end of the agitation and the beginning of negotiations, to which Mr. Samal agreed. I declined, and pointed out that at present circumstances were favourable for Czecho-Slovakia because the Hungarian Government was desirous of peace, as shown by the very conciliatory speech of Count Teleki in Parliament.

11 warned 1 Vol. I, App. III, No. 8, pp. 989. ff.