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

Documents

130 1920 No. 106. 561/pol. The Minister of Hungary in Vienna, Dr. Gratz, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Count Somssich. [TRANSLATION! I am reliably informed that the Polish Government, anticipating a bolshevik attack and in view of its inadequate supply of ammunition, inquired of the munitions factory at Csepel whether it could supply Poland with ammunition. The Polish Government offered to put at the factory's disposal the coal necessary for the manufacture of the desired munition. The Csepel factory was unable to accept the order because all its machinery was carried away by the Rumanians. I brought this matter to the attention of the British Military Mission at Vienna. The British appeared to be very much interested in the possibility of including Hungary in the contemplated anti-bolshevik front. During our discussion it was suggested that perhaps the Rumanians may be induced to return the machinery if the factory at Csepel would guarantee to supply also Rumania with ammunition in case of a Russian attack. This arrangement would have not only the advantage of bringing Hungary politically into the antibolshevik front, but also of securing the possibility of providing our own army with ammunition. Furthermore, it may serve as the starting point for negotiations with Rumania. The interest of the British mission is shown by the fact that Colonel Cuninghame immediately called on the Polish military mission to discuss the matter with them. The main difficulties are, first, the restrictions on the manufacture of munitions which the peace treaty intends to impose on Hungary and, second, the likelihood that Rumania will take a negative attitude. Concerning the first difficulty, it was suggested on the part of the British that this may be overcome by placing the manufacture of ammunition under Allied control. This may be acceptable provided that such control would be exercised primarily under British leadership. We may of course anticipate opposition from France. No. 159/pol. VIENNA, January 30, 1920.