864.00/8–1147: Telegram
The Minister in Hungary (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
1353. Pongrácz Under SecState in Prime Ministry has informed Legation of his view that forthcoming elections represent last opportunity for US to halt Soviet Communist drive in Hungary. He pointed out that elections will be farce because of widespread disqualification of voters and in view fact coalition parties are all dominated by Communists. Pongracz also pointed out what is known locally as “Italian system” which involves prior distribution completed ballots in sealed envelopes to henchmen for use on election day following which regularly distributed ballot is returned blank to party headquarters, is already in use by Communist party. He also feels absentee ballot privilege will not be heavily utilized by Communists since other tactics will prove adequate.
Pongracz referred to numerous demands for [of] provincial Smallholders organizations for withdrawal of party from elections. He also stated his probable intention to resign about August 25 since he is unwilling to condone by his presence within the government the electoral farce which he emphasized no US note of protest can possibly alter. He did specifically suggest, however, that probably only means for US to exert pressure in the circumstances would be tobring Hungarian case before UN.