864.00/8–1745: Telegram
The Representative in Hungary (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19—8:35 a.m.]
436. Balogh informed us yesterday that Rakosi had called on the Prime Minister in the morning to discuss the election. It is reported from several other sources that Voroshilov had told Miklos and Zsedenyi that elections would have to be held in October stating that it was desirable to hold an election prior to a peace treaty so that ACC (Allied Control Commission) could insure orderly voting. Auer told us that Voroshilov also saw Gyöngyösi who reportedly told Voroshilov that an election so soon could be administratively impossible.
Foregoing suggests return to plan contemplated last June (my 172, June 1, 8 p.m.29) whereby electoral law might not even receive approval of Provisional National Assembly or come before the ACC (Allied Control Commission) for formal discussion.
Balogh pointedly asked us if American troops will be here in October implying that Prime Minister wishes to defer compliance with Voroshilov directive until American intentions as to Hungarian election could be ascertained. If only Russian forces should remain at election time non-Labor parties would wish postponement.
Today we learn from Balogh that Prime Minister has decided to accede to Voroshilov’s desire for October election and govt will submit proposal early next week to chairman ACC (Allied Control Commission). Govts communication to Voroshilov may contain intimation that proposal should be of interest to other members ACC (Allied Control Commission) but can not of course be submitted by Govt officially to them under present procedure.
[Page 852]Balogh concluded facetiously “all we want from America is 1000 soldiers, 20 car loads of news print and 10 news paper correspondents”.
It is assumed that instructions in your 185, July 13 are unchanged but Dept may now wish to instruct General Key to request that election question be placed on ACC (Allied Control Commission) agenda.