864.00/9–645: Telegram
The Representative in Hungary (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 13—9:05 a.m.]
541. I have not thought it desirable to recommend at this juncture that question of free elections in Hungary be a matter of consultation between the three Allies. My telegrams 485 and 486, Aug. 27.60
It is increasingly apparent that ineptitude or and dissension in Govt dominated as it is by party leaders outside Govt and subject to constant [Page 864] intimidation real or fancied on part of Soviet representation ACC (Allied Control Commission) are likely to prevent its taking initiative in soliciting proper Red consultation.
I personally believe as suggested in my reports to Dept that free national election for which no date has yet been set will be impossible under prevailing conditions. There is every indication that labor parties will have majority in forthcoming Budapest election considering disorganization of anti-Marxist groups as well as director at least in directing imidation [direct, or at least indirect, intimidation?] of voters who at this time are primarily concerned with personal safety and wellbeing and will therefore not risk open opposition. Though labor parties will campaign vigorously and perhaps unscrupulously it is also possible Leftists can afford to demonstrate that at least municipal election can conform to Western election standards. Moreover presence of British and American Missions in Budapest of itself operates as restraint which would not be equally strong in nationwide election where direct observation will be impossible.
Since Hungarian Govt has made no request for consultation and though intimidation of voters may result from inevitable presence of occupation forced and other repressions previously described, I would recommend American Govt defer asking for consultation with Allies until we have had opportunity to observe implementation of electoral law in municipal elections and results thereof. At that time I may make recommendation in light of developments.
Sent Dept rptd to London for Dunn61 and Cannon62 as No 10.
- Latter not printed (864.00/8–2745); it reported on a conversation with Prime Minister Miklos on August 27 during which the Prime Minister stated that the Russians were still pressing strongly for early national elections; Minister Schoenfeld took the opportunity to speak to Miklos informally in the sense of Department’s telegram 341, August 23, to Budapest, p. 854.↩
- James C. Dunn, Assistant Secretary of State for European, Far Eastern, Near Eastern, and African Affairs; Deputy to the Secretary of State on the Council of Foreign Ministers.↩
- Cavendish W. Cannon, First Secretary of Embassy and Consul at Lisbon; Political Adviser to the United States delegation to the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in London.↩