Papers and Documents relating to the Foreign Relations of Hungary, Volume 1, 1919–1920 (Budapest, 1939)

Appendix III. Parliamentary debates

i991 In order to do so, we have to improve our administrative machinery and eliminate the defects which heretofore existed. I should like to return now to the peace treaty in general. This treaty is doubtless the most fatal and shortsighted document of all times. We attempted to prove this by evidence running into many volumes; and I am sure that the court of history will render decision in our favour. In marshalling our evidence, we did not follow the unconscionable methods of our adversaries; all our proofs can stand the strictest objective and scientific scrutiny. I shall not go into detail; our arguments are available to the whole world. But since the principles upon which the European settlement was to be based were proclaimed from the United States, I should like to quote the views of a distinguished American authority. Dr. Philip Marshall Brown of Princeton University said that the social and political organism of a State cannot be dissected and maimed without impairing v that State itself. Perhaps it was on account of my scientific activities that I was chosen Minister for Foreign Affairs and it was my misfortune that in that capacity I, although a Transylvanian, had to take the responsibility for the signature of the peace treaty. I must now drink the bitter cup; having participated in all this work and having had a share in everything which has happened since, including all the mistakes which may have been committed, I consider myself primarily responsible for everything. It is with full realization of that responsibility that I recommend that the treaty be now ratified ... However, I do not believe that our situation is as hopeless as one of my fellow deputies suggested. This nation has vitality; it wants to live and work. This nation has demonstrated in these days that it can discipline itself and that it listens to reason. This is the source of strength which can give courage to our co-nationals living beyond the demarcation line. They can hope for a better future if we show unity. Only by united forces and by cooperation can we give them aid, succour and protection ; only by such a united front can we compel the world to respect the Hungarian nation. I stated before that in recommending ratification, I assume full responsibility. While there are many who in various capacities participated for a longer or shorter period in this work, perhaps no one else has been connected with it so continuously as myself •— even though I have been so in various capacities. Being desirous of bearing full responsibility and of having it ascertained whether I am guilty of any omission in what has been done, I have the honour to request the House to investigate,