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

Documents

736 1921 As far as the Socialists are concerned, Dr. Schober assured me that Mr. Bauer recognized the necessity of good relations with Hungary, not because of any particular sympathy for Hungary but under the influence of his (Schober's) objective analysis, in the light of which Mr. Bauer agreed to support an agreement with Hungary, even though such an agreement requires substantial territorial sacrifices on the part of Austria in favour of Hungary. He again asked me not to insist upon expressly mentioning Sopron because at present he was not yet in a position to make a binding promise in this respect. He assured me, however, that he is negotiating with Mr. Bauer on the basis of territorial con­cessions, the extent of which will be entirely satisfactory to us. Concerning the procedure, Dr. Schober's plan is to obtain an authorization for the Austrian Government to negotiate with Hungary an agreement for the mutually satisfactory settlement of all problems, including Western Hungary, which agreement would serve as the basis of lasting friendly relations. As regards Western Hungary, the question of a plebiscite had also been dis­cussed but it was not yet certain whether such a proposal would be made because Dr. Schober fears that a plebiscite might create excitement and lead to conflicts. Therefore, unless we insist on a plebiscite, the Austrian Government would not propose one, but another solution would be sought by common efforts. Dr. Schober said that he did not expect, and expressed the belief that we could not expect either, that the Committee would at once accept our proposals without further discussion. In view of the shortness of time, it was not possible adequately to prepare the ground. The Chancellor expressed the hope that, taking ac­count of his statements as above summarized, the Hungarian Government would be able to form a clearer opinion of the parlia­mentary situation and of his activities behind the scenes. Through these activities a new atmosphere is being created favourable to a friendly solution of the Burgenland question. Dr. Schober said that he could not assure us that he would obtain results this month. It was possible that it would take one or perhaps two months to carry out his plans. He is assisted in his endeavours by Mgr. Seipel, who is expected back in Vienna about the 20th. He asked me therefore to let him proceed on the road which he has taken, which is the only possible road in view of the present Parliamentary situation. This alone would enable him to bring

Next

/
Thumbnails
Contents