740.00119 E.W./10–1644: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 17—12:45 a.m.]
3957. Pravda for October 16 published prominently despatch from Chernovtsy on Hungarian situation. Despatch cited Budapest radio to effect that Horthy had, on afternoon of 15th, stated over radio that Hungary intended to begin negotiations for armistice. Somewhat later Interior Ministry announced disappearance of Horthy’s son over radio and instructed local authorities and police not to permit single motorcar to leave country without careful search.
Subsequently, radio broadcast order of Chief of Hungarian General Staff, General Voros, pointing out that Horthy’s message did not mean termination of military operations. Despatch quotes from order to effect that until outcome of negotiations Hungarian units must continue to resist any attack.
Concluding despatch reports midnight radio broadcast by leader of Hungarian Fascists, Szalasy.36 It states that from Szalasy’s speech it was apparent that internal struggle was raging in capital and that radio station was in hands of Hitlerites. Szalasy reportedly accused Horthy of treason to Hungary’s ally and stated that Hungary would continue war on side of Hitlerite Germany. He demanded that his auditors obey his orders.
Repeated to Algiers.
- Maj. Ferenc Szálasi, who became Hungarian Prime Minister on October 16, 1944.↩