864.01/469: Telegram

The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

1023. Although Hungarian Minister disclaimed March 25 having had any direct personal contact with British or Soviet Legation (see my 1022, March 26, 8 p.m.)24 it appears that Hungarians have taken care indirectly to keep British and Soviets currently informed. As British employee, Boehm25 would naturally supply that Legation with whatever information he obtains. Already on March 22 Madame [Page 856] Kollontay26 was aware of Ullein-Reviczky’s sentiments and intentions.

Italian Minister27 told Ravndal28 March 22, that in course of conversation with him Ullein had said “four Hungarian divisions at Russian frontier” might attempt to return to Hungary or, if that proved impossible, “they would join the Russians”. Renzetti also reported that Ullein considered army about evenly divided between those who would collaborate with Nazis and those who would not; however, if a Hungarian leader, for instance a general, would assume direction then army would fight Germans. Italian Minister said Ullein wanted it clearly understood that he was anti-Nazi and entirely “at our disposal”.

In course of conversation with me Boheman29 said he was much inclined to believe that Ullein had orders before he came here how to act in certain eventualities and that he is now endeavoring to carry out those orders. Fact that Ullein has personal money here to last him about a year would seem to support this view.

Johnson
  1. Not printed.
  2. Willi Boehm, Hungarian refugee employed by the British Legation in Sweden.
  3. Alexandra Mikhailovna Kollontay, Soviet Minister in Sweden.
  4. Giuseppe Renzetti.
  5. Christian M. Ravndal, Counselor of the American Legation in Sweden.
  6. E. C. Boheman, Secretary General of the Swedish Foreign Office.