Paris Peace Conf. 864.00/36
The Chargé in Switzerland (
Wilson
) to the Commission to
Negotiate Peace
[No.] 80
Berne
, January
13, 1919.
[Received January 16.]
Sirs: I have the honor to report that Count
Sigray, informal representative in Switzerland of the Karolyi Government
in Hungary, has written me a letter, of which a copy is enclosed,
concerning the possibility of elections in Hungary. Count Sigray brought
this letter in person and endeavored to obtain an expression of opinion
from me on its subject matter. I was, however, careful to refrain from
expressing any opinion whatever in the premises, nor did I give him any
promise of an answer from either the Peace Commission or the American
Government.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure]
The Informal Representative in Switzerland of the
Government of Hungary (
Sigray
) to the American Chargé in
Switzerland (
Wilson
)
Berne
, January 11, 1919.
Sir: The Hungarian Government has decided
to appeal to the people of Hungary and to set an early date for the
elections of a constitutional Assembly.
Considering the fact that a great part of Hungary is at present
occupied by the troops of the Allies, the Government wishes me to
inquire what attitude the Allies would take towards the elections in
Hungary and specially elections in the territories that are lying
behind the line of occupation freed by the armistice of
Belgrade.
The Hungarian Government and people take the standpoint that they
have the right of making elections in the whole of Hungary because:
- 1.
- in the armistice of Belgrade it was understood that the
administration of the whole country would remain in the
hands of the Hungarian Government;
- 2.
- the Hungarian Government and people have not given up the
right to any territories claimed by neighbours.
I should be greatly obliged to you if you would refer this matter to
the Government of the United States and her Allies and if you would
let me know as soon as possible the answer to my inquiry.
Believe me [etc.]
