The Hungarian Student, 1961

WHO BEARS THE RESPONSABILITY ?

The student as we see him

In the recent past there has been a great deal of argument and discussion on the concept of “the student”. Permit us to express our modest opinion on the subject.

We completely understand that in countries with centuries old social, economic, political and university traditions, students decline any responsibility in affairs which have no bearing on their student life. We recognise their unconditional right to establish what does and what does not, have a bearing on their student life. These old established national traditions, laws and habits clearly define the area of responsibility—students live in a crystallised world. They have the right to enjoy the advantages of such conditions, which are benefit both to themselves and to their country—consequently they have no reason to renounce them. In such societies where the centuries’ progress has been unhindered, the role of the student is neither special nor exceptional. The highly differenciated conditions of such a society result in the rigid separation of areas of responsibility. This order would inevitably be disturbed by any attempt to expand or retract one’s area of activity. However, as the sense of responsibility developed together with the traditional order, there is no cause, whatsoever for one to feel responsible for matters in which one has no concern.

On the other hand, in those countries where evolution has been arrested whether by outside forces, other influences, wars, or any other factors, crystallisation of the social life, and the individual’s sense of responsibility could not occur. Nevertheless a desire for independence, together with individual readiness to take responsibility developed rapidly. As there was no process of differentiation, the sense of responsibility became generalised and embraced all areas of national life. In such countries, everyone who is aware, consciously carries the burden of a Prime Minister on his shoulders.

In view of all this, it is clear that the youth of these countries endeavour to expand their horizons and consider study as a mean to carry further responsibility in public life, rather than a mean to ensure a comfortable niche. In countries of unhindered national development the student plays a well defined but by no means special role in public life and social life. The student in countries which have obtained or are still fighting for their independence, by the very nature of his being a student, stands at the focus of social, economic, political and cultural life. His position is exceptional in that he enjoys special

rights in taking on responsibilities precisely because he is a student.

This special right to take on responsibilities often involves carrying a heavy burden and holds certain perils. However, just as Hungarian students throughout their history were compelled to carry such a burden and force such perils, we are certain that our fellow students throughout the world do not, and will not share the same responsibilities.

May be our words are no revelations to a fellow student—if this is true, it well could be a failing of perception on our part, as up to now, we have never encountered this point of view in student debates. Whatever the case, we feel that our student friends could well relieve many prevalent tensions by carefully considering the above views.

The forces of the “middle way” must realize that their voices in world politics will carry weight in the future only if they can successfully maintain their rol e as mediator. Our people as a whole are deeply involved in the desire to check and reverse the current venomous trend towards polarisation.

(From an essay by István Bibô, entitled “The Position of Hungary and the World Situation").

( Continued from page 8)

ers decided to continue the strike.

October 30:

Upon the request of the Hungarian Government the Soviet High Command ordered the withdrawal of their troops and Soviet troops began to evacuate the city.

October 31:

Soviet troops movements continued throughout Hungary. The Hungarian railway workers decided on a general strike in order to face complete withdrawal of Soviet troops. Imre Nagy requested Moscow to send their envoys to Hungary so that he could discuss with them the details of the withdrawal. Pal Maleter, one of the military leaders of the

Revolution and Colonel in the People's Army, was appointed as First Deputy Defense Minister.

November 1:

New Soviet armoured units crossed the eastern frontier of Hungary and strong units occupied the airport in Debrecen and Budapest. Imre Nagy protested emphatically to the Soviet Ambassador in Budapest and at the same time, announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact. Furthermore, he proclaimed Hungary’s neutrality and asked the U.N.O. for its recognition.

November 2:

Soviet spokesmen talked about the regrouping of the combat units and Moscow

radio announced that counter revolutionary groups had created a confusing situation in Hungary.

November 3:

While Soviet troops occupied every strategic point in the country, the Soviet High Command in Budapest negotiated the technical questions of the withdrawal of Soviet troops.

November 4:

The new Minister of Defense, Pal Maleter and Imre Kovács, Commander in Chief of the Hungarian Army, were arrested at the Conference table whilst negotiating with the Soviet High Command. In the early hours of the morning the Soviet troops began an armed attack on Budapest. At five fifteen a.m.

Imre Nagy made his last appeal to the world.

“The revolutionary workers’ peasant’s Government” was created in Szolnok, which was under Soviet occupation, under the leadership of Janos Kadar and Ferenc Miinnich, members of the Imre Nagy Government, the circumstance of their appearance in Szolnok were unknown. After November 4:

Heavy street fighting was reported in Budapest and in various other parts of the country. The desperate resistance of the Hungarian people continued and reports of armed clashes were still reported on November 9. According to official estimates on November 12 the fights had caused twelve thousand deaths.

9