740.0011 European War 1939/9721: Telegram
The Chargé in Hungary (Travers) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 8—8:35 a.m.]
144. Department’s 118, April 5, 1 p.m. When it became apparent that German troops were passing through Hungary with Yugoslavia as a possible destination I took occasion to mention to the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to the Minister who is in charge of the press section at the Foreign Office as well as other prominent Hungarians, that should Hungary permit Germany to attack Yugoslavia from Hungarian soil or even worse to aid in such an attack that Hungary could expect little sympathy from the Government or people of the United States. I have also taken occasion to draw attention to our Government’s readiness to assist those nations which defend their independence against aggression and have very frequently mentioned our progress in defense production. This [Page 303] evening I called upon the Prime Minister, Bárdossy, and reiterated my [warning?]. He stated that Hungary is always pleased to have friendly advice from the United States but that he felt certain that we would not expect Hungary not to defend itself. During the funeral for the late Prime Minister Teleki today air-raid alarms were sounded and according to Bárdossy the Hungarian air corps shot down six planes (some of which were British) when they bombed Pecs, Szeged, Villany, and Siklos where he states there were no German troops. He further states that the planes were en route to Budapest to bomb this city during the funeral procession and that public opinion is very much aroused especially because the Regent was present at the ceremony. He did not know whether the pilots of the British planes were British or whether the planes were loaned to Yugoslavia. He states Hungary has no intention of aiding Germany unless Yugoslavia commits further acts against Hungary and denies that general mobilization is under way or contemplated.
It is my personal feeling that Hungary’s economic condition, ever increasing signs of food shortage and Teleki’s suicide (which has made a strong impression on the masses) will cause the Government to do all in its power to refrain from participating in unprovoked military action against Yugoslavia. However it is doubtful whether any such efforts could prove successful against strong German pressure.