Verhovayak Lapja, 1944 (27. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)
1944 / Verhovay Journal
Page 2 Towaiiteiireat er Unity (Continued from Page 1) would take about 6 columns to publish it in full, and that much space is not available. Yet, this report should be read by all American Hungarians for it casts much light upon the controversies that for years have caused uncertainty among Americans Of Hungarian descent. An excerpt of the report, containing all the informative details, follows. When Hungary declared war on the United States, on December 13th, 1941, the Secretary of the American Hungarian Federation, sent a telegram to the President, assuring him of the unfailing loyalty of every American citizen of Hungarian descent. “Subsequent events have born out my promise, said the secretary, for not one traitor was found among our ranks!” Another document was sent by the Secretary to the Department of Justice requesting that Hungarian immigrants who for some reason or other have not yet been able to achieve citizenship be not considered enemy aliens since the declaration of war came as a result of Nazi pressure, against the will of the people of Hungary, for which Hungarians in America cannot be held responsible. Both documents were favorably received and acted upon accordingly. There were cases when American Hungarians have been charged with subversive activities. The Fedration went to their defense in every instance and succeeded in clearing them before the highest courts. “It is a fact, Stated the secretary, that American Hungarians have not been discrimiaied against because of their national background.” Then Dr. Kerekes enumerated the attacks made against the directors of the organization and the Federation as a whole. In the American and Hungarian press, and also through the radio, the Federation and its directors have been made subject to the most vicious accusations. The Federation did not take these accusations lying down, though it did not choose to refute them in the press or through the radio. Instead it requested that its office be investigated by the Department of Justice. “Such investigation was never held—declared the Scretary—for the authorities did not see it necessary”, and the American Hungarian Federation was permitted to continue without interruption its activities in an ever extending scope. However, due to the fact, that many American Hungarians were mislead By these attacks, a series of articles was published in the American Hungarian press, under the title of “Józan János”, for the enlightement of the American Hungarian public which reacted favorably to these articles. Then Dr. Kerekes reported on the activities of the Federation in behalf of the war effort of our nation. Here is the record of What the American Hungarians, cooperating with the Federation, have achieved: qwqq More than 100,000 pints of blood and 18 ambulances have been contributed to the Red Cross, 20 ambulances to the armed forces (total value $27,000), two Liberty Ships (total value $4,200,000), 20 ambulance planes ($4,200,- 000), and, in addition, War Bond purchaeses of American Hungarians serve to furnish a wing in the military hospital now being built at Staten Island. Altogether, the American Hungarians who are affiliated with the Federation, have invested TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS in War Bond purchases. The Federation also concerns itself with the military record of American Hungarian members of the armed forces and finds that “of all nationality groups, American Hungarians have contributed the greatest number of soldiers to the armed forces for which credit should be given to their fathers and mothers.” FOREIGN POLITICS In reference to the activities of the Federation in behalf of occupied Hungary, the Secretary stated that he sent a memorial to the President cn January 7, 1941, in which he declared that the Federation “feels it to be obliged to launch a movement in behalf on an independent Hungary and the liberty of the Hungarian nation.” The Board of Directors declared the following summer, that it condemns not only the present government of Germany and its allies, thus that of Hungary too, but the Nazi philosophy in its entirety. The Federation urges the survival of an independent, democratic Hungary following the victory of the United Nations. This can be realized, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Federation, only by the creation of a Danubian Federation as set forth in the March, 1943, address cf Premier Churchill. The Federation objects to the division of Europe into spheres of interest. Three proclamations have been addressed to the people of Hungary by the American Federation. These proclamations have reached Hungary through the assistance of the Office of War Information and the War Department. Hungary has been urged to break ties with Germany and to ally itself with the United Nations. The eneouragement which the people of Hungary have thus received from their brothers in America has resulted in various uprisings in Hungary which have contributed much to the weakening of the hold the Nazis have over the Hungarian people. The Federation protested against the provision of the Rumanian armistice which, in effect, endangers the liberty and lives of millions of Hungarians in Transylvania. WAR RELIEF FOR HUNGARY The secretary’s report concluded with a call for united action in behalf of the starving people of Hungary. They look for help to their well-to-do brothers in free America. It is our duty to help them. As soon as the Presidential War Relief Board permits, an appeal should be made to all Americans of Hungarian descent to give from their plenty to alleviate the horrible need of Hungary’s emaciated people. Until then, committees should be organized in every city and town in order that assistance may be rendered to Hungary without delay, as soon as conditions permit. Verhovay Journal November 29, 1944 The secretry’s report received i sincere applause from the attentive audience. One could sense that -the delegates gained renewed confidence in the American Hungarian Federation from this report. THE TREASURER’S REPORT Emery Király presented this report which revealed that the American Hungarian Federation has achieved much with the help of little. There are only some three thousand dollars in the treasury of the Federation . . . indeed a measly sum if we consider the scope of the task that lies before the Federation. Said the treasurer: “We have joined forces to save the people of Hungary who are about to sink into their grave. This country, which has adopted us as its citizens, does not only permit in its constitution that we help them, but obliges us to help the persecuted. In connection with this report, UOLOMAN REVESZ, Supreme Secretary, who with John Walko, from the Bridgeport Association, is the comptroller of the Federation, reported that the Verhovay F.I.A., at its XX. Convention, examined the books and records of the American Hungarian Federation through its own committee which found them in perfect order. Following the reports the delegates were divided into various committees and the convention was adjourned by the president. THE BANQUET A banquet was held in the. Assembly Room in the evening. Attended by appröximately 300 delegates and visitors, it was an unusual banquet the like of which we never witnessed before. Without exaggeration, a historical significance may be attached to this event which will be remembered by all who attended. Banquets usually suffer from the tedium of repetitious speeches. But in this instance) the speeches were of such importance that their recording is imperative for they were expressive of American public opinion as well as of the trend of thought prevalent among Americans of Hungarian descent. Msgr. Elmer Eordogh offered grace, then the President of the Federation called upon Judge Petrash to assume the duties of Master of Ceremonies. Judge Petrash presented first Joseph Remenyi, a nationally recognized author and Professor of comparative literature who delivered an excellent address on the fundamental differences that separate the Hungarian mind from the Nazi ideology ... on the future cf Hungary and the vastness of its present tragedy . . . and on the responsibilities ot American Hungarians towards the democratic ideals of our country as well as towards the people of Hungary who have to be brought to a new understanding of the democratic way of living. Then Judge Petrash presented the “Gentleman from Ohio”, Senator Harold Burton, who started out on his exceptional political career with a mandate from the first Hungarian voting district in Cleveland, O., and who, throughout his long political career, has ever retained his deep understanding of American Hungarians. Next morning’s ‘'Cleveland Plain Dealer” reported his address under the caption: “BURTON IN APPEAL FOR FREE HUNGARY.” Said Senator Burton: “Poets tnd soldiers give us the true picture of the character of a nation.” Illustrating his thesis, he read the wellknown poem of Petőfi: '‘One thought tortures me . . .” and added: “This fundamental appreciation of liberty and love which is even willing to surrender love for liberty . . . that is Hungary for me!” Then he went on quoting Louis Kossuth who told to the people of America that “from your history we draw courage and hope in our dark hour.” Declaring that the problem of Hungary deserves America’s deepest and most sympathetic consideration” he stated that “Americans must assume part of the responsibility for guaranteeing the freedom of the Hungarian people.” “Much of Hungary’s tragedy arose from the unhealthy politics cf her leaders in collaborating with Hitler”—said the Senator— “but she deserves to become a free nation, expressing the freedom loving faith of her traditional heroes.” He felt that her national future lay in some kind of regional grouping which would assure her freedom and that of neighbouring nations in economic cooperation among them. He said: “Rest assured that America’s faith in individual freedom and the freedom and the freedom of each nation is as strong as it ever was!” — Movingly he closed his stirring address with Lincoln’s historic statement: ‘'With malice toward none, with charity towards all...” At the conclusion of his address, the entire audience rose and cheered the great American who, by his address, strengthened the faith of American Hungarians in the ultimate outcome of the present struggle of the unfortunate people of Hungary. Coming from a member of the U. S. Senate, his address carried much weight, but the happy effect of his speech was further deepened, by the following speaker. GOVERNOR-ELECT MAYOR LAUSCHE When Judge Petrash introduced Mayor Lausche, Governor-elect of the State of Ohio, the audience rose, again . . . the Brenkacs orchestra started to play, and Miss Margaret Szabó sang the “Happy birthday to you” which was immediately taken up by the enthusiastic audience. It was the 49th birthday of Governor-elect Lausche, and it was indeed a happy thought of Judge Petraseh to surprise him with such unexpected celebration. Deeply moved. the Mayor- Governor thanked the audience and after making a few humorous remarks concerning his re• semblance to orchestra-leader Brankacs, he turned to the serious matters and delivered and address that endeared him for ever to the entire audience. “All people want to live as free people—said the Governor-elect— Hungarians as well as Roumanians, Serbs, Slovaks and others. And why shouldn’t they? And why do Hungarians meet here to-day? Because it is impossible to extinguish in the hearts of Hungarian fathers and mothers the tunes of the songs and the words of poetry they heard at home. I heard from my mother the songs—she too was born is Europe—and when I hear them I think of her home.” He continued saying: “Those things that are rich and good in Hungary should survive! Now what are the things that are rich and good in Hungary? First of all, Hungarians are religious people, they have a deep and sincere belief in God. That you want to preserve in them. You want to be a free people, freely giving expression to your faith and feelings . . . that is what you fight for. Listen to the gypsies or Liszt, and you have listened to the ecstasy of joy.” “Hungary’s leaders have been criticized for their collaboration with Hitler. But it is easy to choose the good course when you control all the circumstances, but w’hen you are surrounded and under pressure, it is different.” (This most important statement of the Governor-elect was quoted the next day in the Cleveland Plain Dealer emphasizing the significance which was ascribed to it by the audience which received it with deafening applause, but even greater was the effect of his following statement: 'T am as sure as I stand here that if Hungary had been free to decide, even its leaders would have decided to stay clear of Hitler and to follow America” He asserted that while American Hungarians are loyal citizens of this country, they rightly feel it their duty to uphold democratic ideals in the land of their ancestors. “While you plan relief —he said—cultivate the thought of democracy also for the Hungarian people.” Again the audience rose and applauded the Governor-elect and repeated its “Happy birth-day” greeting, and cheered the great American who so courageously took stand on the side of crucified Hungary, thereby affirming the policy consistently followed by the American Hungarian Federation. KOROSSY SINGS Theodor Korossy stepped then to the microphone. He sang “Frozen Flowers”, a Hungarian composition by Mrs. Stephen Füzy of Cleveland, followed by “Old Man River” and “'The Lord’s Prayer”. In the rendition of “Old Man River” he combined excellent singing with a deeply moving dramatic performancn that left the audience breathless. We haven’t witnessed a more perfect performance anywhere. This young man from Cleveland should go far. A POEM Arpad Tarnoczy, editor of the “Arkoni Hirlap” was requested by the Federation to write a poem for this occassion. Complying with the request, the outstanding Hungarian pcet read his poem to an appreciative audience which was deeply touched by the beauty and depth of his expressions. DR. KEREKES REPLIES The last English speaker was Dr. Kerekes, secretary of the Federation, who thanked Senator Burton and Gvernor-elect Lausche for their addresses. ,‘From their lips — he said — we know what America thinks and what it wants. It is our duty to reach across the Ocean and extend a helping hand towards our brothers who in their search for liberty suffer the greatest tragedy. We thank you for your encouragement and promise that we will exert every effort to transfer the ideals of democracy to the people of Hungary.” INTRODUCTIONS Judge Petrash then proceeded to introduce the leaders seated at the speaker’s table: John Walko, secretary of the ‘‘American Life and Sick Benefit Association”, Dr. (Continued on Page 3)
