Századok – 1996

Tanulmányok - Gergely András: A Frankfurt–Budapest szövetség kialakulása 1848 tavaszán V/1033

1062 GERGELY ANDRÁS The Hungarian delegation had also an offer of contracting an alliance up their sleeves. The liberal great power was to form an alliance with the medium one of the region to bring stability and security from the Russian threat. A commercial treaty was also offered. The offer had obviously an anti-Habsburg motive as well on Hungary's part, wishing to accelerate the formation of German unity and the union of the Austrians. The arrival of the Hungarian delegation was much publicized in press and was as welcome as the Hungarians had expected. The delegates were offered a place of honour in St. Paul's church and the assembly unanimously(!) recommended the proposed alliance to the German government. The Viennese government admitted to be forced to play for time and follow the policy of wait and see. So they agreed to Archduke John of Habsburg's accepting the post of German Imperial Regent, and did not protest against the Hungarians sending a delegation to Frankfurt, either. Wishing to preserve the unity of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna realized the importance of the Frankfurt assembly in deciding the fate of Central Europe.