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

Appendix III. Parliamentary debates

964 accepts clearly and as a matter of fact that the Reparations Commission will take these factors into account and will fix Hungary's financial obligations accordingly. We requested, as did the Germans, that our reparations be fixed, as was done in the case of Bulgaria. But we received the above reply, the plausibility of which we must admit and which will be satisfactory provided that the Reparations Commission fulfills its task adequately. This applies also to the return of our railway rolling stock which will be returned in proportion to the railway lines left to us . . . Then there is a special section in the reparation part of the treaty dealing with art treasures. In this respect, we obtained substantial concessions as far as this question is at all important. Hungary's rights to a share in the crown treasures, documents, archaeological and historic relics situated on Austrian territory is recognized. This was not originally included in the peace treaty. We demanded it and our claims were fully met. In this respect Hungary's claim was accepted; indeed, this provision in our treaty is somewhat better than the one which assures the similar rights of the other succession states against Austria, for ours contains certain sanctions. There is hardly any change in the financial provisions, but in reply to our observations concerning currency cover, we were promised that the Reparations Commission will receive appropriate instructions. It should be noted further that some of our observations and interpretations, as, e. g., concerning the distribution of state property, were also accepted. In general, besides financial problems, many other issues are referred to the Reparations Commission. This may be regarded as an advantage since the Reparations Commission will have more time to devote to these problems; moreover, these questions will then be treated by experts and not by politicians who are occupied with so many great problems that they cannot indeed devote attention to details. The reply concerning economic questions takes the edge off the interpretation which was given to all previous treaties and consisted in the refutation of reciprocity in every respect. There are certain provisions according to which we would have been obliged to accord, unilaterally, most favoured treatment not only in customs and trade matters but also regarding the status of foreign nationals. The reply note says in regard to trade that despite the text imposing on us unilateral obligations, the Allies will not avail themselves of our obligations without due return during the first three years, but promise on their part corresponding treatment. Thus we have a certain promise