Budapest Legation Files: 711.9 Allied Control Commission: Telegram

The Chief of the United States Military Representation on the Allied Control Commission for Hungary (Key) to the War Department

[Paraphrase]

Z–729. With Marshal Voroshilov presiding a formal meeting of the ACC was held March 26. He stated that because of continued fighting [Page 810] on Hungarian soil and because of his prolonged absence from Hungary, limited progress has been made in executing the armistice terms. He expressed hope that we could soon move to Budapest as the combat situation had improved recently.32

He advised that Hungarian Government had mobilized two infantry divisions which would probably be ready for the front lines in about three weeks, and in reply to a question he stated that a shortage of weapons and equipment made it problematical when the remaining six divisions called for under the armistice would be mobilized and equipped.

Paragraph by paragraph he discussed the armistice agreement and reported actions taken or contemplated under each. Paragraphs 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 were being implemented by 11 separate decrees issued by the Hungarian Government. Before their publication March 17 these decrees were submitted to and approved by him, he stated. Copies of the decrees were being furnished the British and US representatives.

ACC (Soviet) has representatives in ten separate districts in Hungary, and as personnel becomes available the chairman proposes establishing representatives in additional districts.

No deliveries whatever have been made under the reparation clause, Voroshilov stated. Preliminary discussions of reparation payments have been held with the Hungarian Government. As to the character or quantity of material to be delivered under article 12, he said that no agreement had been reached.

Seventy-eight displaced US Army personnel have been assembled in Debrecen during the past 15 days, and Voroshilov stated that the Commander in Budapest was providing for displaced and destitute American and British nationals.

Soliciting suggestions on procedure, the chairman received the suggestion that oral discussions between ACC (Soviet) and the Hungarians be put into writing and copies handed to the British and American representatives.

Regular meetings of the Commission twice monthly would be held, the chairman stated, and if important matters came up, special meetings would be called. In the meantime Voroshilov invited the Americans and British to feel free to call upon any member of his staff or upon himself for any desired information or action.

Frankness and cordiality continued throughout the meeting and [Page 811] it is believed that increased mutual confidence and closer cooperation will result.

Key
  1. The Allied Control Commission and the Hungarian Provisional Government were transferred from Debrecen to Budapest at the beginning of April.