C.P.(Gen)Doc.1.Q.7.

part iii

The Czechoslovak Delegation proposes the insertion of a new article before Article 10, to run as follows:

“The maintenance and construction of the following works is prohibited south of the Hungaro-Czechoslovak frontier for a distance of 20 km from any point of the frontier as defined by the present Treaty: Permanent fortifications where weapons capable of firing into Czechoslovak territory can be emplaced; permanent military installations capable of being used to conduct or direct fire into Czechoslovak territory; and permanent supply and storage facilities for the use of the above-mentioned fortifications and installations.”

Argument.

Since Hungary is not threatened by Czechoslovakia, she does not require fortifications along her frontiers with Czechoslovakia. Moreover, fortifications of any kind may have an offensive character in that they allow defensive forces to be reduced to a minimum and enable the contingents thus freed to be used in offensive operations at some other point.