Caserta Consulate Files for 1946, Lot 52 F 2.
The Chief of the United States Representation on the Allied Control Commission for Hungary (Weems) to the War Department
priority
Z–3683. Intimidation of and interference with the British and American Representation of the ACC has now taken the following turn.
Vas Zoltan, Economic Commissar for Hungary, known to be an officer in the Russian Army and one of the leaders of the Communist Party in Hungary, whose title is Chief Secretary of the Supreme Economic Council, has unilaterally issued orders to the caterers and other food distributing agencies and members of the Staff of the American and British Missions to reduce, and even discontinue, the supply of food, and furthermore has directed that the civilian staff be decreased to a point of unworkability.
British and American Representatives called on General Levushkin, Chief of Staff of Soviet ACC, to demand that Hungarian Government be instructed not to interfere with the operations of these Missions. General Levushkin was prepared for this visit as was evidenced by his possession of a purported copy of a letter to be sent by [Page 330] the Hungarian Government to the British and American Missions along the same line as above.
The letter was written in excellent Russian in contrast to the usual Russian translations from Hungarian. When asked why draft letter has been submitted to Soviets, he stated that he had “borrowed” a copy in order to give advance notice to US and British. After conference, Levushkin promised to direct Vas not to interfere but later called and said that it will be necessary for the American and British Representations to address a letter to him requesting the supply of food, etc. As Hungarian Government is required by article 11 of Armistice to supply Missions with necessities, this is obviously political move on part of Soviets to embarrass US and British. Also parallel action taken in Bulgaria (reference USFETS–8359 top secret67) would indicate action known to or initiated by Soviets.
This Headquarters complained about service or supplies and in fact Mission has always been cognizant of economic straits of Hungary and has economized to every extent possible. Our position therefore is that present standards must be maintained and that we will not be dictated to as to our needs. British take same stand.
What shall be position of this Headquarters if Soviets refuse to enforce article 1 of Armistice upon Hungarian Government.
Request instructions.
- Not printed.↩