Paris Peace Conf. 184.01102/92

Mr. C. M. Storey to Professor A. C. Coolidge83

No. 72

Subject: Bolshevism in Hungary.

This report has been considerably delayed owing to the fact that Bolshevism is such a bugbear to the Hungarians that it has been very difficult to ascertain the true proportion of the movement. We have suffered from numerous exaggerated and false rumors. However, we are beginning to be convinced that at present there is little or no danger of a Bolshevist uprising.

The situation is somewhat as follows: There has been in Budapest for some time one of Lenine’s emissaries, a former secretary of Lenine himself named Bela Kuhn. He has been engaged in spreading Bolshevik propaganda of the original Russian type. He established a newspaper called Vörös Ujsag (Red Paper). About 12 numbers were issued, but owing to the action of the Government, described below, publication has ceased. It was said that the funds were low, but about two weeks ago I received word from the Government that a large sum, something like 30 million Crowns had been received from Russia. The truth of this rumor has never been definitely established.

Lack of paper as well as lack of money also interfered with Kuhn’s activities. As previously reported the distribution of print paper which is very scarce and expensive is controlled by the Government and they have refused naturally to distribute paper to the Bolshevists. Therefore supplies of paper have been obtained clandestinely and in small quantities.

Furthermore unemployment does not seem to be so widespread in Budapest, as at first believed, more reliable estimates though varying in number running between 40 and 60,000. It is among the unemployed, of course, that Kuhn is able to work most effectively and his activities have been counterbalanced by two important factors: the first being the extraordinary action of the Government in supporting the unemployed out of the public purse, described in other reports,84 and the second being the fact that all but about 2000 of the unemployed are members of Trade-Unions and therefore members of the Social-Democratic party. Inasmuch as the Social-Democratic party is bitterly opposed to Bolshevism, every effort is being made by the Trade-Unions to keep its members in line.

An interesting statement made to me by Count Karolyi shows, if true, the extent of Kuhn’s success. He said that they had received [Page 393] word secretly that Lenine had become dissatisfied with Kuhn’s progress and had decided to recall him. Finally, last Monday morning, February 3rd, a raid was made upon the offices of the Vörös Ujsag by the police, an account of which is transmitted herewith, as are examples of documents collected.85

It is our opinion that this action will put an end to effective Bolshevist activity for the present. It must, however, be remembered that due to the lack of coal, clothing, the high price of necessaries and the possible shortage of food before the spring, a situation exists in which Bolshevism may rapidly spread and unless by the end of March some alleviation is forthcoming, is likely to achieve some tangible result.

Furthermore another complicating factor, the importance of which it is difficult to estimate, is presented by the Hungarian Communists, referred to in a contemporaneous report. It is not impossible that an addition of some of these Communists to Kuhn’s forces may serve to strengthen his waning fortune.

Respectfully yours,

Charles M. Storey
  1. Transmitted to the Commission by Professor Coolidge under covering letter No. 81, February 14; received February 20.
  2. Not printed.
  3. Enclosures not printed.