Paris Peace Conf. 181.9202/260: Telegram
General Bandholtz to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received November 25—12 p.m.]
212. Polk from Bandholtz. At Hungarian Cabinet meeting this afternoon Friedrich resigns and Charles Huszar the new Prime Minister with his Cabinet will come into power. There seems to be general satisfaction with the new Cabinet except Barczy, Minister of Justice. One of my officers just returned from investigating conditions near Pecs coal mines now occupied by Serbians reports Serbian troops in bad state of discipline. Serbians have established complete civil government in territory entirely on Hungarian side of line of demarcation and announce intention of remaining permanently. Mine turns out about 1,500 tons of coal daily of which 1,200 tons are taken by Serbian Government, remainder being used locally but none whatever sent to Hungary. Reported from trustworthy source that Czechoslovakian authorities have taken possession of Archduke Joseph’s estate at Kistapolcsan and are about to sell personal property of Archduke and Archduchess at auction or private sale, this to include their personal correspondence, the historical bridal robe of Queen Elizabeth, many valuable souvenirs, etc. Have telegraphed American Minister at Prague informing him that such action would be in contravention even of all customs of war and not thought possible any government could knowingly countenance same under present conditions. Personally visited Red Cross distribution this morning. [Page 726] Excellent work is being done and it is hoped that Major Moffatt may continue at least until after Government is established in Hungary. On Saturday I likewise attended Captain Richardson’s meeting of the Children’s Welfare Mission which is doing equally excellent work. I am informed from most reliable sources Italy has made secret pact with Croatia, Dalmatia and Montenegro against Serbia whereby those countries acquire independence. Montenegro getting Cattaro and coast as far as Ragusa, Italy getting Fiume and important islands.