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

Documents

146 1920 complained doubtless emanate from sources favouring annexation and endeavouring to create dissension between the two countries. I expressed regret that in his letter he did not refer to concrete cases which could be subjected to investigation. If there is a certain amount of excitement among the population of Western Hungary, the responsibility therefor rests primarily on those who, from the outside, have created a situation which could justly excite the public. No one would regret it more than I if Austro-Hungarian relations had to stand the strain of the hostile feelings which inevitably result from the annexation by one country of the territory of another. Hungary has given proof of her conciliatory spirit by offering to submit the issue to a plebiscite. I hope that when the conversation we began in this respect is continued, as suggested by the Chancellor, it will bring us nearer to a solution which will not adversely influence Austro-Hungarian relations. But without such a solution, the adverse effects referred to by Chancellor Renner are inevitable because Hungary would never forget the annexationist policy of Austria. Under the present conditions I consider the suggestion for the conclusion of an agreement concerning the evacuation of Western Hungary as premature. It is possible that we might be forced by the Peace Conference to recognize the cession of Western Hungary to Austria but I believe that the solution by plebiscite would be preferable. No. 122. 744/pol. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Count Somssich, to the Minister of Hungary in Vienna, Dr. Gratz. [TRANSLATION] Code telegram No. 51. BUDAPEST, February 10, 1920. Replying to your code telegrams Nos. 68

1 and 70.

2 Your are requested to inform Chancellor Renner officially that the Hungarian Government gave no orders either for the requistion of food stuffs and cattle or for the transportation from Western Hungary of any sort of state properties. Consequently no such measures have been carried out. 1 Supra, Doc. No. 120. i Supra, Doc. No. 121.