864.00/6–248: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Legation in Hungary
558. Estimate Hung popular reaction recent trend of events and your recommendations formulated on basis appraisal situation from Budapest (urtel 829 May 21)1 appreciated. While Dept inclined generally credit validity basic assumptions set forth therein, we concur element wishful thinking contributes apparently overoptimistic popular prognosis.
As regards recommendations, your thinking in terms of limited objectives believed consistent Dept’s views set forth Deptel 274, March 17.2 Basically it is our feeling that improvement to which Hung people and this Govt look will be attained as consequence ultimate Soviet conviction untenability present aggressive tactics generally.
As to your numbered suggestions Dept’s policy indicated Deptel 274 envisages maintenance formal correct relations between Leg and Hung Govt as stated para 1 partially at least as earnest continued US interest oppressed Hung people. However, in this indirect encouragement to such elements Dept feels important at this time Leg avoid identification specific individuals or groups and limit activities to manifestation long-range sympathy and interest as distinct from efforts stimulate current activity likely lead reprisal and improbable effectively influence immediate situation. Dept position re Hung property in Germany (para 2) has been subject various separate tels. While no objection exploitation Hung anxiety obtain further restititution for purpose leverage toward solution outstanding problems, Dept considers advisable in all existing circumstances maintain maximum maneuverability in matter further restitution as conditions may warrant and consequently undisposed crystallize attitude by detailing contingent Hung action as prerequiste further consideration. Dept has been conscious potentialities expansion existing broadcasting facilities to refugee groups outside curtain countries along lines suggested your paragraph three. However, while appreciating merits proposal we feel premature for time being, having in mind especially considerations with regard to present objectives toward encouragement Hung people mentioned above. Dept concurs (para 4) development of Austria along democratic representative lines toward which US policy that country has been consistently directed will provide useful example peoples curtain countries and achievement Western [Page 353] success that undertaking will increase unrest and consequent instability Soviet imposed totalitarian regimes.