Magyar News, 1996. szeptember-1997. augusztus (7. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1996-10-01 / 2. szám

Bridgeport, October 1996

AN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE OF THE 1956 HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION

by Dr. Alexander Havadtoy

Exciting news was coming out of Hungary during the Summer of 1956. Parishioners and friends who visited Hungary during those Summer months brought news about a complete breakdown of the Communist order. Criticism of the regime became open and loud. People sharply criticized the Communist party and government officials. Matthias Rákosi became the center of derision. Most people felt that he was disgraced by the Kremlin and therefore was thrown open to the anger of the people. These events deeply disturbed us here in Canada and the USA for we saw no sign that Moscow would be willing to loosen its ties to the satellite countries.

In September of 1956, at the Ligonier Conference of the Hungarian-American Reformed Clergy the representatives of the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe appeared to talk about their activities. They gave a glowing report about the effectiveness and great impact of their broadcasting. We were told that among all the countries behind the Iron Curtain Hungary was the most receptive to their presentations. While we cautioned them about their enthusiasm, they would not want to hear of our warnings, and stated very clearly that their efforts to impress the Hungarian population would continue. They were supported and encouraged by their masters in the State Department where the policy of John Foster Dulles about “rolling back the Iron Curtain” was still dominant.

This encounter with the representatives of the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe filled us with deep concern.

I personally tried to distance myself as clearly as possible from their position, knowing that the policy of “rolling back the Iron Curtain” was not supported neither by the military forces, nor by the political realities.

President Eisenhower was engaged in electioneering to secure for himself another presidential term in November. His slogan was : “Peace and Prosperity.” He wanted to assure the public that during his reign there will be no more military adventurism like the war in Korea. The general public was tired of wars and merely wanted to amass wealth and security after the lean years of depression and

war. The status quo of dividing Europe between the winners of the Second World War, the division of Germany and the pacification of Central Europe were quite acceptable to the general public. Yes, there were tears about some of the constructed trials of statesmen and bishops and cardinals, but there was no desire whatsoever to take up arms or to engage in any form of diplomatic or military effort to free the oppressed other half of Europe. Besides, “were they not our enemies during the war” was the accepted excuse.

The last thing that president Eisenhower wanted was to rock the boat right before the election and appear beligerent. Such activity would have contradicted his “Peace and Prosperity” program.

We left Ligonier with great forebodings, fearing the completely out of step activities of our radios and of the State Department.

What we dreaded, became a reality on the night of October 23. We were attending a pastor’s meeting with my Roman Catholic and Byzantine colleagues when someone came into the room and reported about shootings a the Radio Station in Budapest. Since there was no radio in the conference room, we rushed to our cars and turning on the radio were indeed witnesses to the happenings in Budapest. Our fears were substantiated.

The revolution in Hungary against the Soviet Empire electrified the country and the entire world. The heroism of the people in Budapest, the bravery of the children, the early successes filled the hearts with hope and the eyes with tears. Suddenly everyone was hoping in miracles that the Soviet could be defeated.

Immediately committees were formed to collect blood and money for the freedom-fighters, Within a few days thousands of dollars were collected and enough blood to support an army. It was heartwarming to see that Hungarian- Americans who never participated in community affairs, suddenly came forward and offered their services. There was hope against hope that the entire world would come for the defense of the Hungarian cause.

President Eisenhower remained cautious. He would not commit himself or the diplomatic apparatus of the State Department to interfere on behalf of the revolution. His main concern was still the election and the proper non-belligerent relationship with the Kremlin. Added to this, Anthony Eden, the prime minister of Great Britain used the cover of the Hungarian Revolution to attack, along with Israel, President Nasser’s Egypt. Eisenhower was so disturbed by this stealthy action, that he lost every interest in the Hungarian happenings and turned all his anger against Eden. Since the United States would not give even diplomatic support to the brave freedom-fighters in Hungary, Russia felt free to squash the Uprising on November 4th. Even though we had anticipated this outcome, most of our fellow Hungarians did not. It took great effort to calm down our communities, wipe away the tears of frustration and anger, and to prepare for the reception of the refugees.

And the refugees did arrive by the thousands. The first plane load consisted of entirely Jewish-Hungarians, which caused quite a consternation even by the New York Times. But then came the actual fighters and the victims of this great uprising that shook the Soviet Empire. Luckily for them, the economy was prospering. Jobs were plentiful, and most of the newcomers were able to find employment and settle down in our established Hungarian-American communities. Our churches truly distinguished themselves by receiving, counseling and settling down our newly arrived borthers and sisters.

One of the shabiest episodes of this refugee flood was the appearance of Vice President Nixon at the Andau bridge between Austria and Hungary. The representative of the government which would not give the most minimal diplomatic support, was extending his hand to the refugees in front of the television cameras. We felt this to be the height of hypocricy.

It must be said that the arrivals of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution turned out to be a very successful and veiy solid segment of our society. Hungary’s loss was definitely America’s gain.

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