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

Documents

1921 695 name of the Hungarian Government. Mr. Tchitcherin believes that these proposals may form the basis of confidential discussions, and since the interests of Hungary and Russia in this respect are similar, he thinks that an agreement in this question could easily be arrived at. Mr. Tchitcherin asks me to inform my Government of this. Mr. Hanetzky then explained to me how easy it would be for the two Governments to agree on a certain trend. He assured me of the reliability of the Soviet Government, saying that they are following a straightforward policy, if they make an alliance with anyone they support them, etc. During the conversation, it became quite clear that he was alluding to our south-eastern neighbour.

1 It was my impression that since yesterday he had got into touch with Mr. Tchitcherin, and that he had received instructions for our conversation to-day. I told Comrade Hanetzky that I was not aware of my Government having taken such steps. I did not exclude the idea of Russia having plans, which if realised would ensure certain advantages for us, but I did not feel authorised to make further statements on this question. He did not inform me of the proposals of the "well-known Turkish personage". From the conversation with Mr. Hanetzky I could not be sure whether the reference to the Turks was an invention or true, but I gained the impression that Mr. Tchitcherin would very much like to get into touch with us. Several provinces in Russia are at present threatened with famine. The import of corn is very difficult and expensive and uncertain into the bargain. I think it would be easier for them to assist themselves with the production of a neighbouring country, which would be all the easier because they could cloak the real purposes of the campaign with legitimate territorial claims. In the realisation of their aims we could be helpful to them in one way or another, and perhaps we might obtain territorial advantages as well. From a defeated Rumania, Transylvania could easily be taken, or it might fall into our hands of itself. In my opinion this is Moscow's reasoning. 1 Rumania.