Fraternity-Testvériség, 1948 (26. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1948-11-01 / 11. szám

TESTVÉRISÉG

7

PRO DEO, PRO PATRIA, PRO LIBERTATE

We, the American Hungarian Federation, constituted and sustained by the churches, associations and members, who represent the loyal American Hungarian citizens deem it necessary to reaffirm our original convictions and to declare our stand in the midst of the present ideological conflicts.

1. We are Americans. We accepted in the past and accept now, not only the rights, but the duties of our American citizenship. Therefore, we most emphatically oppose any and all endeavors which endanger the constitutional order of the United States of America, the peace of its people, the Christian ethics and the freedom of its individuals. We condemn both open and subversive communistic propaganda. We, were among the very first in the past who called the attention of our government to the dangers of any political appeasement.

We further believe, that the selection of good leaders, today, more than ever before, is not only the right, but the obligation of every citizen. Therefore, we call upon every citizen of Hungarian origin to vote at the coming national election according to his conscience. We realize that it is not only our privilege but our responsibility, as citizens of the United States, to do all in our power toward establishing peace and security for ourselves and the peoples of the world.

2. We are Hungarians. We never denied our Hungarian (Magyar) origin. We emphatically deny now as we did in the past that the people of Hungary as a whole be held responsible for the guilt of naziism, already defeated, or of communism, presently threatening the entire world. Both of these were and are ideological epidemics offensive to the large majority of Hungarians just as they are to truly democratic Americans. We have nothing in common with the present terroristic government of Hungary that subjugated the Hungarian people to the yoke and slavery of communism, therefore, we severed all contacts with it, furthermore, we shall do our utmost to help free our suffering brethren from it. We believe, that Communism as well as all other form of dictatorships are a curse upon the people forced to live under them, and they are real and threatening dangers for us Americans. We know that an “Independent and Free Hungary” would form a strong link in the great chain which will hold together the nations of the world in a binding fraternity.

3. We believe in ihe principles of Christ,

Consequently, we are keenly aware of our responsibility toward those unfortunates, who are neither morally nor politically responsible for the devastation of the war which made them paupers and homeless. There are approximately

50,000 Hungarians in the European displaced persons areas. A certain percentage of these according to our Public Law 774 may find refuge and a new home in the United States. We assume the responsibility and the privilege to assist our Government in helping these people and for this purpose we offer the services of our national headquarters located at Washington, D. C. At the same time, we request the Hungarians of the United States to secure without delay employment, housing facilities and financial aid for as many unfortunate brethren as possible,

4. We are humanitarians. Upon the request

of our sustaining organizations, after the termination of the war, we organized the American Hungarian Relief, Inc., and through this organization, we exercised the work of the good Samaritan among our needy brethren. This organization sent several million dollars worth of aid to Hungary within the last three years. Since the present pseudo-Hungarian regime decided to usurp the rights of distribution and control of all aid to Hungary which is totally contrary to our desires because it would be subservient to their communistic politics, — consequently, we cannot support this regime. Therefore, we shall only send such material aid to Hungary which may reach the proper destination without the interference of the communist government. Since it is already possible to aid and assist our poor brethren in Western Europe, who are forced to suffer untold deprivations, the American Hungarian Relief, Inc., will help those displaced persons who are without food, clothing and work. Our relief organization exists for this purpose and any other new organization would add only confusion and misunderstanding to our paramount purpose, namely, to offer aid without political interference. Charity must not be stained by ulterior motives.

5. Due lo ihe horrible Bolshevik suppression,

Hungarians, and among these, many political re