Paris Peace Conf. 184.011102/169

Mr. Albert Halstead to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

No. 336

Subject: The government, communism, and Hungary.

Sirs: I have the honor to inform the Commission that, after consulting with me, Colonel Sir Thomas Cunningham, the British representative here, called on Dr. Bauer this afternoon with regard to the general situation. Dr. Bauer assured him that there was no probability of disorder on Sunday or Monday when the demonstrations and twenty-four [hour?] general strike occur. This agrees with information I have received from several sources. It appears that rather than have the police clash with the communists, and to prevent the latter and Social Democrats from coming into conflict on Sunday, it seemed [Page 549] best to agree to the general strike, especially as the Communists promised to be good. I am inclined to think that the decision of the government is wise inasmuch as it would be unfortunate if there were another outbreak especially as conditions have been looking more promising.

I telegraphed a few days ago17 that Boehm, former commander of the red army in Hungary, was to go to Budapest to see if the government of Bela Kun could be succeeded by a Social Democratic Government. Boehm will be back on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday as the Minister from Hungary. Dr. Bauer told Colonel Cunningham that he really came as a representative of the Social Democrats. This would be necessarily opposed to Bela Kun.

Dr. Bauer asked Colonel Cunningham today if he would be permitted to negotiate with Boehm with a view to throwing Bela Kun and the radical leaders out of the government and making it a Social Democratic Government. He asked Colonel Cunningham, who had talked with me before the visit, as to what would satisfy the Entente. Colonel Cunningham said he was not in a position to pledge the Entente, but declared that the terror would have to stop, that the policy of connection with Lenine, and the Russian Bolsheviks would have to end together with interference with affairs in Austria, before there could be any consideration given to the new government. Dr. Bauer asked as to the Soviet Government, and it was suggested by Colonel Cunningham that there would have to be some promise of a participation of all people in the government when the time for that participation is opportune. It was distinctly understood that no obligation was imposed upon Colonel Cunningham and myself, but it seemed advisable for Dr. Bauer to negotiate informally with a view to ascertaining if something could be done to improve conditions by eliminating extreme radicalism. It is expected that shortly direct proposals will be made which I shall be able to forward to the Commission.

The Italian representative, Prince Borghese, will be informed by Colonel Cunningham of this conversation, because it seems desirable in view of the great interest Italy has taken in Hungary and the efforts she has made to better conditions there, for her to be kept fully informed. For the present the French representative will not be consulted, because of the intense bitterness that exists in Hungary toward France at the moment. When, however, any tangible proposal is made the French representative will be informed so that should there be any joint recommendations he may have the opportunity to participate in them.

It should be stated that in the meantime efforts are being made to organize the peasants of Hungary and to stiffen them to the attitude [Page 550] of the peasants of German-Austria, so that they may be ready to assert their influence to secure a real government of the people. It is, of course, possible, perhaps probable, that nothing may result from this attempt, but it seemed that informally and without any obligation, tentative inquiries should be made.

I have [etc.]

Albert Halstead
  1. Telegram No. 612, July 17, 12:20 p.m., not printed.