740.00119 Control (Hungary)/6–1945: Telegram
The Representative in Hungary (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 19—3:55 p.m.]
176. Depts 84, June 8.76 I gather from my British colleague that he and his Govt favor early conclusion of peace with Hungary77 on theory that there is no hope of securing equality for British (and American) representatives on ACC and consequently that the longer present condition continues, the more seriously British prestige here is impaired. I infer from cursory reading of some correspondence with his Govt which he has shown me in confidence that British have abandoned hope of securing Soviet cooperation in broadening basis of ACC activity.78
British seem to feel that conclusion of peace and attendant withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary would weaken Communist influence in Hungary and give other constructive forces free play.
Gascoigne has been instructed to send his Govt statement of his ideas regarding points to be included in peace treaty and he has done so. I told Gascoigne it appeared to me we were somewhat divergent in our view of immediate issue. I said I felt we should endeavor to broaden scope of our participation in ACC whose activities without [with our?] full participation would tend to stabilize situation in this country and redound to our advantage in long run whereas early conclusion of peace regardless of restrictions imposed on Hungary by peace treaty would fail to stabilize country since it is not yet mentally, morally, economically or politically prepared to take effective part in European reconstruction. I added I believe Hungary should remain under Allied control at least until representative Govt can be established here.
In absence of information from Dept regarding reaction to representations made by British Embassy at Washington on these matters, I have explained to Gascoigne that above expression of my views is personal only.
- Not printed; it transmitted a paraphrase of President Truman’s message of June 7 to Generalissimo Stalin regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations with Finland, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Hungary (711.60D/6–845). For text of President Truman’s message, see telegram 54, June 2, to Prime Minister Churchill, vol. v, p. 550, and footnote 97.↩
- For documentation regarding the consideration, immediately prior to the Tripartite Conference of Berlin (July 17–August 2, 1945), of the question of the conclusion of a peace treaty with Hungary, see Conference of Berlin (Potsdam), vol. i, pp. 358–413, passim. ↩
- See telegram 5517, July 6, 1945, to London and 7075, July 13, 1945, from London, ibid., vol. i, pp. 399 and 408, respectively, regarding United States and British views on the possibility of achieving a reorganization of the Allied Control Commissions for Bulgaria, Hungary, and Rumania.↩