Paris Peace Conf. 181.9202/123: Telegram
General Bandholtz to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received September 18—11:42 p.m.]
77. Reported additional Mackensen supply depots were only abandoned depot sites. Total rolling stock removed across Theiss River by Roumanians to date and noted by our observers is 759 locomotives and 18,495 mixed cars. Hungarians report about 31,000 mixed cars taken since beginning. Roumanians now making additional requisitions for proposed troop movements between 18th and 24th which Hungarians say will leave them only 4,500 cars for 6,000 kilometers of line. It takes 4,000 carloads per diem to feed Budapest alone. Roumanians do not seem to care what happens after they leave. Despite Roumanian statement that their troops are not leaving there have been since 10th instant 21 troop trains eastward bound over Szolnok Bridge and 17 trains carrying one cavalry division over Czongrad Bridge. Nevertheless Roumanian troops still west of Danube with entire regiments at few places. These are so-called contact patrols. Despite Roumanian promise to give rifles to Budapest police, nothing done yet, but on contrary they are now looting the police clothing and other depots and arresting the special policemen. The Mission has requested attendance of Roumanian Commander in Chief at tomorrow’s session to answer questions as to whether or not he intends to permit organization of police and as to definite date for promised evacuation of trans-Danubia.
General Gorton requests that copy of foregoing be furnished British Commission.
Mr. Halstead45 requested me to instruct Vienna operator to give him copies of Ammission telegrams and was told such instructions or permission could only come from Ammission.