264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A./12–1650: Telegram
The Minister in Hungary ( Davis ) to the Secretary of State
300. Legtel 292, December 12.1 Berei summoned me today, handed me note verbale replying our aide-mémoire, December 12. Note states “Re Legation’s viewpoint question visiting Vogeler, Hungarian Ministry Foreign Affairs states this viewpoint lacks all legal foundation and under present circumstances Hungarian authorities unable meet such request.” Note further rejects our statement accusing Hungarian Government failure carry out June agreement, asserting continued willingness accept our proposals if (1) radio interference ceases, and (2) “objects of art representing historic value (as namely St. Stephen’s crown) will be counted among the goods coming under restitution.”
In verbal discussion Berei stated because Vogeler convicted espionage enjoys no right receive visits but was unable cite specific legal provision. Protracted discussion basic questions covered usual ground.
Full memo follows pouch.2
- Telegram 167, December 5, to Budapest, not printed, instructed the Legation to approach the Hungarian Foreign Ministry at the earliest possible moment and request that a consular representative be permitted at regular intervals to visit and talk to Robert Vogeler at his place of detention or elsewhere. The Department of State was aware the Hungarian compliance was unlikely, but it believed that such a demand, even if rejected, was important for the record and, in view of the existing stalemate in negotiations regarding Vogeler’s release, might help keep the case under active Hungarian consideration (264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A./12–550). The telegram under reference here, not printed, reported that the Foreign Ministry had been approached along the lines instructed by the Department (264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A./12–1250).↩
- Minister Davis’ memorandum of conversation was transmitted to the Department in despatch 448, December 16, from Budapest, not printed (264.1111 Vogeler, Robert A./12–1650).↩