Paris Peace Conf. 181.9202/21: Telegram
General Bandholtz to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received August 20—1 a.m.]
14. General Holban Roumanian Commander of Budapest appeared before Mission this morning representing Roumanian Government and stated he could give information only on two points. One was the food question and the other the organization of the municipal police of Budapest. In regard to the first he was asked to explain the map he had furnished this Mission purporting to show food requisition zones, but he could not explain it and then claimed that he could not prepare a map that would show the situation. As regards the question of police he showed an organization scheme proposed by the Hungarians 2 days ago to which I [he] was opposed. On the 15th he was instructed to cooperate with the Hungarian[s] and immediately arm 6,000 police. Up to this date he had accomplished nothing. On occasion former interview he stated he had 15,000 men in Budapest and vicinity: today he said he had never had over 5,000. This is furnished as indicative of the general attitude of the Roumanians who are continuing with their removal of property despite their promises to abide by the instructions of the Mission. The undersigned insisted that the Roumanian Commander in Chief himself attend tomorrow’s meeting in order that he may be called upon for definite replies to pertinent questions. Today’s meeting was very harmonious and there was unanimity of opinion that very little can be accomplished with the present Hungarian Government. Telegram was sent Supreme Council along these lines.