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

Documents

1921 he was by no means inclined to yield on the above-mentioned point. After a careful consideration of the circumstances, I think it might be opportune to show some courtesy in this matter; I cannot omit, however, to draw Your Excellency's attention to the circumstance that by handing over the Rumanian prisoners, we give up a weapon which might prove useful some time. Mr. Take Jonescu added to his statements, in the form of a private conversation, that he had promised Baron Samuel Jósika, as to a Rumanian citizen and President of the Hungarian Federation on Rumanian territory, to treat the case of some 200 detained and 600 accused Rumanian citizens of Hungarian origin with the utmost leniency insofar as he would 1. accelerate the trial, 2. suggest to the juries the most lenient verdict, and 3. propose that the King

1 should use his prerogative of mercy generously. The Foreign Minister said furthermore that he could not accept the idea of a general amnesty as demanded in the memorandum submitted by Baron Samuel Jósika, for this would only confirm the already often-repeated allegation that the whole proceeding had been devoid of adequate motivation.

2 No. 737. 4588/pol. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Count Bánffy, to the Representative of the Hungarian Government with the Interallied Military Mission in Sopron, Baron Villani. [TRANSLATION } Code telegram No. 56. BUDAPEST, August 19, 1921. I learn from telegram No. 78

s and Count Sigray's telephone conversation with Count Khuen-Héderváry that irresponsible Hungarian elements are planning individual action for armed resistance and causing disturbances. You are requested to call upon Count Sigray in the name of the Government to proceed with the utmost energy against such elements.

4 1 Ferdinand I. 1 Cf. infra, Docs. No;. 743 and 745. 2 Cf. infra, Doc. No. 744; and Vol. Ill, Docs. Nos. 815 and 888. 3 Supra, Doc. No. 734.