The Hungarian Student, 1957 (1. évfolyam, 2-8. szám)
1957 / 4. szám
14 The Hungarian Student WHAT HAPPENED IN LICHTENSTEIN? O N October 23rd we Hungarian students were together for the last time. After that the struggle occupied each person at his own guard station, and only a few managed to get together again during the escape. The idea for a Hungarian students’ union originated in Vienna. The thought of being scattered throughout the world, of perhaps never again seeing one another, was a ghastly one. Through the sacrifice and work of a few willing university students, a temporary organizational committee was formed, so that in camps, railroad cars, and waiting rooms the committee could work to record the scattered students’ names with the aim of future communication. The permanent office was in Cologne, Germany. Here the organization found it easiest to obtain an operating permit. It struggled through its uncertain probationary period and proved that its members were truly dedicated to freedom. In a few months student organizations of other countries, as well as government welfare organizations, were working with it. Within a half-year the group was organized in 14 countries, and 7,000 students were on its membership rolls. In many countries these students’ work has been recognized and the members have received educational backing. The first UFHS meeting was held from May 30th to June 2nd in Lich-The delegate from Lichtenstein gives his report. The first Congress of the UFHS was held in this beautiful Lichtenstein valley, beside the winding Rhine river. tenstein. Certainly a few months before, during the escape, we did not imagine that 26 elected representatives from 13 countries would be here discussing the problems of the future. Of all the countries with National Unions, only Argentina was unable to send delegates. It was a grand feeling to know that the students came through the trials of October and the border escapes in unity and with their readiness for action intact. All important issues were discussed in complete accord and were recorded by the Congress. The adopted UFHS bylaws are as follows: 1 The UFHS is an independent organization of Hungarian students of different religions and political outlook, which does not belong to any political or social group. The UFHS is willing to cooperate with organizations and individuals having similar aims. 2 The UFHS being a part of the coming intellectual generation of Hungary, shares the principles of the Hungarian revolution of October, 1956, striving for independence, freedom and democracy, and acting on the basis of these principles as far as they do not run counter to the laws and constitutions of the countries in which the Hungarian refugee students are residents. The following work plan for the coming year was accepted by the UFHS Congress: The organization of protest action against Soviet interference in Hungary. The amelioration of the conditions of Hungarian students in Yugoslavia. The acquiring of scholarships and educational opportunities for the 1,100 Hungarian university students in Italy, Austria and England. The holding of information programs concerning life behind the Iron Curtain. The establishment of an exchange of students between the various countries during the summer. The procurement of textbooks and aid to education. The erection of a memorial to the Hungarian Freedom Fight. The building of a home for Hungarian students in Paris. Finally, the Congress placed the responsibility of the Union’s work in the hands of a capable leadership which will carry out the objectives fully. Headquarters have been established in Saint Gallen, Switzerland. It is here that the official UFHS literature is edited. The headquarters leadership is as follows : President, Aladar Merenyi, Switzerland; Vice-President, Laszlo Papp, U.S.A.; Secretary-General, delegate from West Germany; Secretary of Studies, Ivan Geczhy, Switzerland; Press-Secretary, Pal Borka, Norway; Treasurer, Laszlo Alföldi, Switzerland; Inspection Committee, delegates from France and Denmark.
