also informed me that the trial of Mr. Vogeler would disclose the "involvement" of members of the Legation in this case. I must insist that any such allegations, if they are to be made at the trial, and an explanation of the grounds on which they are based, be communicated to me at once as a matter of right and courtesy, since such charges. obviously affect the relations between our two countries.

The Hungarian Government is requested to make a prompt reply in the above matters in order that its intentions may be clearly understood and full opportunity given to Mr. Vogeler's counsel to prepare adequately for his defense and in order that the conduct of the trial may correspond with the Deputy Prime Minister's assurances. Accept [etc.]1

35. RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL OF HUNGARIAN DIPLOMATS IN THE UNITED STATES: Note From the Secretary of State to the Hungarian Minister at Washington, January 29, 1951 3

2

3

The Secretary of State presents his compliments to the Honorable the Minister of the Hungarian People's Republic and has the honor to inform him as follows:

Effective immediately, members of the Hungarian diplomatic mission in the United States and Hungarian employees of that mission, as well as the dependents of these persons, are prohibited from staying or traveling beyond a specified area except by express permission. The perimeter of the designated area is fixed at a distance of eighteen miles from the White House, Washington, D. C.

Permission to stay or travel outside the specified area shall be requested in advance through the Chief of Protocol, Department of State, according to a prescribed form, of which a facsimile is enclosed 4 and copies may be obtained from the Department upon request. Travel beyond the designated area should not be undertaken prior to the receipt by applicants of signed authorization from the Department of State.

The Secretary of State further informs the Minister of the Hungarian People's Republic that the Department of State will take into account in its application of the foregoing restrictions, with particular reference to the issuance of travel permits, the consideration accorded

'The Hungarian Government replied, on Feb. 6, 1950, that the Hungarian court would proceed with the trial, that inasmuch as the hearing would be public both Hungarian and foreign correspondents would have the opportunity to attend, and that the Hungarian Government otherwise maintained the viewpoint previously expressed; ibid., Feb. 27, 1950, p. 325. See also the statement issued to the press by the Department of State, Feb. 15, 1950, to the effect that the U. S. Government did not regard the Hungarian reply as satisfactory; ibid., pp. 323-324.

Imre Horváth.

Department of State Bulletin, Feb. 12, 1951, p. 262. See also U.S. note of Oct. 13, 1953; infra, doc. 40.

*Not reprinted here.

to members of the American Legation in Budapest who may wish to travel beyond the limits of the restrictive zone established by the Hungarian Government on January 22, 1951.1

36. VOGELER CASE: Statement by the Department of State, April 28, 1951 2

Robert A. Vogeler, an American citizen who has been held in Hungary for over 17 months, was today released by the Hungarian authorities and has arrived at the American Legation in Vienna. Mr. Vogeler was delivered by Hungarian officials into the custody of a representative of the American Legation in Vienna at Nickelsdorf on the Austrian frontier at 11 a.m. today (5 a. m. e. s. t.) and was escorted directly to Vienna.

The Department is gratified that this American citizen has regained the freedom of which he was unjustly deprived and that he is now safely reunited with his family. The release of Mr. Vogeler follows upon continuous efforts by the United States Government in his behalf since the beginning of his detention and brings to a successful close negotiations which the American Minister in Budapest, Nathaniel P. Davis, has carried on personally with the Hungarian Government over a long period of time, with skill and determination, under most trying conditions.

In connection with the understanding reached with the Hungarian Government for freeing Mr. Vogeler, assurances on the following points have been communicated by Mr. Davis to the Hungarian Government, and, in consequence of the latter's action in releasing Mr. Vogeler and of his safe arrival at the American Legation in Vienna, these assurances now enter into effect:

(1) The United States Government will approve the reopening of Hungarian consular establishments in New York City and Cleveland, Ohio.

(2) It will also, through its appropriate agencies, again validate the passports of private American citizens who may wish to travel to Hungary.

3

(3) Finally, the United States Government will facilitate the delivery of all Hungarian goods in the United States zone of Germany which, in the light of the provisions of article 30 of the treaty of peace with Hungary, have been found available for restitution, including Hungarian cultural property, and will permit two Hungarian representatives to enter the United States zone of Germany for the purpose of receiving such property and arranging for its transportation.

The Hungarian order prohibited travel by Legation personnel beyond an area bounded by a perimeter 30 kilometers from the center of Budapest; see statement of Jan. 29, 1951, by the Department of State (Department of State Bulletin, Feb. 12, 1951, p. 261).

2 Ibid., May 7, 1951, p. 723. See also ibid., pp. 723-725, and supra, doc. 34. Treaty of Feb. 10, 1947 (TIAS 1651; 61 Stat., pt. 2, p. 2065).

United States civil and military officials in Germany will facilitate the entry of the Hungarian representatives for the purpose stated, render them all proper assistance as regards the collection and shipment of the property in question, and regard them as official representatives of the Hungarian Government.

With regard to the matters dealt with under points (1) and (2) above, it is, of course, the expectation of this Government that the Hungarian Government's observance of consular rights and the rights of American citizens will be in accord with international law and practice and with the provisions of existing treaties between the United States and Hungary. Moreover, private American citizens who may wish to travel to Hungary will undoubtedly wish to inform themselves through the Department or American missions abroad concerning conditions in that country.

OF

37. HUNGARIAN CHARGES REGARDING ACTIVITIES AMERICAN OFFICIALS: Note From the American Legation at Budapest to the Hungarian Foreign Ministry, July 7, 1951 (Excerpt) 1

1

The Government of the United States categorically rejects the allegations directed against the Legation of the United States and members of its staff by the Hungarian Government in its note of July 22 and regards the demands put forward by the Hungarian Government on the basis of these charges as arbitrary and unwarranted. The activities of the United States Legation in Hungary have been legitimate in every respect and in full conformity with international diplomatic practice. The United States Government concludes, therefore, that the conduct of United States Legation officials has been called into question only to serve the propaganda aims of the Hungarian Government.

In the view of the United States Government, the proceedings in the trial of Archbishop Grösz establish nothing except the fact that the Hungarian authorities are continuing by ruthless and unconscionable measures to terrorize the Hungarian people into mute submission to the existing regime and its totalitarian program. In this instance, as on many past occasions, the Hungarian Government has contrived a tissue of falsehoods in a brazen though futile attempt to justify before the world its continuing campaign to crush all dissent and to suppress the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens. It is also evident that the Hungarian note of July 2 reflects the extreme annoyance of the Hungarian Government that the Hungar

1 Department of State Bulletin, July 16, 1951, p. 94. Archbishop Grösz and eight other Hungarian citizens were charged with conspiracy and violation of currency regulations. The prosecution at the trial attempted to implicate officials of the American Legation at Budapest; see statement of June 23, 1951, by the Department of State (ibid., July 9, 1951, p. 73).

2 Not printed.

ian people, despite unending Communist propaganda and repression, continue to maintain their feelings of deep friendship for the United States as well as their firm confidence that the United States Government will not cease to concern itself with their tragic plight. Without accepting or crediting in any way the preposterous charges which the Hungarian Government has advanced, the United States Government has taken the decision to discontinue certain cultural and informational activities mentioned in the Hungarian Government's note, since it is clear that the Hungarian Government has rendered impossible the maintenance of open and normal contacts and the free exchange of ideas and information between the two peoples. The United States Government believes, however, that the attitude of the Hungarian Government in this regard will be viewed with deep resentment and regret by the Hungarian people, who have shown a great interest in cultural contacts with the people of the United States and who are fully aware that this policy of the Hungarian Government is aimed at further isolating them from the free world. By its behavior in this matter, the Hungarian Government has effectively demonstrated before the entire world that it dare not tolerate, even to a limited degree the exercise of freedom of opinion

38. MASS DEPORTATIONS FROM HUNGARY: Statement by the President, July 27, 1951 1

1

Many Americans have expressed concern about the mass deportations from Hungary which are being carried out by the Communist Government of that country. Their condemnation of these brutal acts against the people of Hungary is in the best American tradition of concern for liberty and justice. I am deeply moved by the tragic plight of the Hungarian people, who bear a heavy burden of oppression, and I share the abhorrence which has been expressed with regard to these measures which the Hungarian Government has instituted in wanton disregard of every principle of right and decency.

The Government of the United States is giving the closest attention to the deportations in Hungary with a view to taking such steps as may appropriately expose this situation to public view and judgment and render the Hungarian Government accountable before the world for its infamous conduct. The forced removal of thousands of persons from their homes by the Hungarian Government under the conditions which have been reported must be regarded as a flagrant violation of the human rights provisions of the treaty of peace. The United States Government has already formally charged the Government of Hungary with wilfully and systematically contravening these provisions, which obligate that Government to secure to all persons under its jurisdiction the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms, and has

1 Department of State Bulletin, Aug. 6, 1951, p. 208. See also statement of Aug. 1, 1951, by Secretary Acheson; ibid., Aug. 13, 1951, p. 251–252.

exposed these violations before the United Nations. In accordance with the terms of a resolution passed by the General Assembly on November 3, 1950, this Government will submit to the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, and through him to all member Governments of the United Nations, detailed evidence which the Department of State has in its possession regarding many such violations. In view of the significant bearing which the present deportations have on the general question of the Hungarian Government's suppression of human rights and freedoms, the United States Government will also submit to the Secretary-General all evidence which may be available from reliable sources regarding the conditions under which such expulsions are being conducted.

39. AIRPLANE INCIDENT OF NOVEMBER 19, 1951: Statement by the Secretary of State, December 28, 19512

Every American will be relieved that the four American flyers are now safely in our hands. But underlying relief is a deep current of indignation over the treatment they have received.

The American people are rightfully indignant. Because we value the welfare of the individual above all else, we have paid the so-called "fines." But we have not paid willingly, and we state clearly, in order that there may be no misunderstanding of our attitude in the future, that our patience is not inexhaustible.

In this whole performance, the Budapest regime has ignored the basic rules of long-established international conduct.

Repeated requests were made to the Hungarian authorities to permit American officials to visit the airmen. No such access was allowed either before trial or subsequently when the request_was renewed. In the circumstances, in view of the refusal of the Hungarian authorities to permit American officials to exercise this normal right, which is basic to the extension of customary consular protection to American citizens abroad, the U.S. Government will no longer validate the passports of American citizens for travel in Hungary. Furthermore, since the reciprocal basis of the exchange of consular privileges has been nullified by Hungary, this Government is also notifying the Hungarian Legation in Washington that the Hungarian consulates in this country, which are located in Cleveland and New York, should be closed immediately.3

Any further statement on this matter must await the opportunity to talk with the released airmen.

Resolution 385 (V); supra, pp. 2080-2081.

Department of State Bulletin, Jan. 7, 1952, p. 7. See also statement of Dec. 26, 1951, by the Department of State (ibid.) and U. S. application of Feb. 16, 1954, to the International Court of Justice (infra, doc. 42).

*Note of Dec. 28, 1951; Department of State Bulletin, Jan. 7, 1952, p. 7.