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

Documents

1921 769 sal concerning Western Hungary, or, in case of non-acceptance, that it will give the above guarantees. As far as I can see, the seriousness of public opinion in Hungàry has up to now been greatly underrated in Vienna, and only now are competent circles beginning to realize that an unsatisfactory settlement of the question of Western Hungary would have a catastrophic influence upon Austro-Hungarian relations. You are requested therefore to emphasize the absolute necessity of the guarantees in view of Hungarian public opinion, all the more so as you may see from the proceedings of the last meeting of Parliament that the feelings prevailing here have led to a division of votes which was almost critical for the Government.

1 No. 758. 4688/pol. The Representative of the Hungarian Government with the Interallied. Military Mission in Sopron, Baron Villani, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Count Bánffy. [TRANSLATION] Code telegram No. 85. SOPRON, August 23, 1921. Last night the delegates of the Friedrich party, the representatives of the League [for territorial defence ] and some leading political personalities held a meeting in Sopron, at which they decided to appoint an organizing committee which would proclaim the complete independence of Western Hungary and invite Mr. Stephen Friedrich to organize the defence of the territory. A separate government would be formed, in which foreign affairs would be taken over by Mr. Bogya. It is said that they have arms, uniforms and money. Although it is desirable that there should be some disturbance in the territory to be occupied by the Austrians after our withdrawal, it is to be feared that the movement would become entirely independent of our influence and in this case it could not be disarmed if the foreign political situation required such a step.

2 1 Cf. infra, Docs. Nos. 760 and 772. 2 Cf. supra, Doc. No. 752; and infra, Docs. Nos. 781 and 785. 47